Foxfire, also known as fairy fire and chimpanzee fire, is a glowing light produced by certain types of fungi that grow on decaying wood. The blue-green light is caused by a substance called luciferase, which is an enzyme that reacts with another substance called luciferin to create light. People have known about this phenomenon for many years, and scientists discovered the source of the light in 1823.

Description

Foxfire is a glowing light produced by certain types of fungi that grow on decaying wood. This phenomenon is found in several species, such as Panellus stipticus, Omphalotus olearius, and Omphalotus nidiformis. The bluish-green light is caused by a substance called luciferin, which produces light when it reacts with oxygen, a process helped by an enzyme named luciferase. Some scientists think the light may attract insects to help spread the fungi's spores or serve as a warning to animals that might eat the fungi, similar to how bright colors warn animals of danger in other species. While foxfire is usually very faint, in some cases it can be bright enough to read by.

History

The earliest written record of foxfire dates back to 382 B.C., when Aristotle described a light that felt cold to the touch, unlike fire. Later, the Roman writer Pliny the Elder also wrote about glowing wood found in olive groves.

Foxfire was used to help light up the needles on the barometer and compass of Turtle, an early submarine. Many people believe Benjamin Franklin suggested this use. However, letters from Benjamin Gale show that Franklin was only asked for other ways to light things when the cold made the foxfire stop working.

After many scientists and naturalists wrote about foxfire, its cause was discovered in 1823. Researchers studied the glow from wooden beams in mines and found that the light came from fungi growing on the wood.

The word "fox" in foxfire may come from the Old French word "faux," which means "false," not from the animal called a fox.