Foxfire

fungi · bioluminescence · nature's light

Glowing fungi magic. Foxfire is a beautiful bluish-green light that shines from certain fungi growing in decaying wood. The glow looks almost magical, which is why people used to call it fairy fire.

Chemistry makes light. A special enzyme called luciferase inside the fungi reacts with another chemical called luciferin, and this reaction produces light without any heat. It's like nature's own light bulb.

Home in dead wood. You'll only find foxfire growing on wood that's already rotting and falling apart. The fungi break down the dead wood while creating their mysterious glow.

Ancient mystery solved. People have noticed this glowing wood since ancient times and wondered what caused it. Scientists didn't figure out it was from fungi until 1823.