luminescence

[Frederick J. Peabody]

There is a certain group of fungi (I don't recal the name) that have
"glow-in-the-dark" properties.  They are commonly called "Foxfire."  This also
would explain the decomposed state of the wood.
F.J. Peabody


Robin W. Scribailo wrote:

> Speaking of luminescence,
>
> I had a student come in the other day and ask about luminenscent dead tree
> roots. He said they had taken the tree down and were out late at night to
> discover the roots of the tree just glowing even when placed in your hand.
> The wood of the roots just disintegrated when handled. Is this just
> possibly autofluorescence or caused by some kind of organism.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Robin
> Dr. Robin Scribailo
> Associate Professor of Biology
> Biological Sciences and Chemistry Section
> Purdue University North Central
> 1401 S. US 421, Westville
> IN 46391-9528
> (219) 785-5255