Chlorociboria is the type genus of in the fungal family Chlorociboriaceae within order Helotiales. The genus includes 23 species.
Two common temperate zone species, Chlorociboria aeruginascens and Chlorociboria aeruginosa, can only reliably be distinguished by microscopic examination. Chlorociboria aeruginosa has larger spores (9âÂÂ15 üm à1.5âÂÂ2.5 üm) and the worm-like cells of the outer surface are rough, unlike the commoner C. aeruginascens, of which the spores are 6âÂÂ10 üm à1.5âÂÂ2 üm.
The hyphae and fruit bodies of all species make xylindein, a secondary metabolite that stains the substrate wood blue-green, with "green oak" being a valued commodity in woodworking. The blue-green pigmented wood is featured in Tunbridge ware.
Blue-green stain is evident year-round, with ascocarp production occurring from summer to fall.