The Xylariales are an order of fungi within the class Sordariomycetes, primarily known for their ecological roles as decomposers of wood and plant material. Members of this order are typically saprobic, breaking down lignin and cellulose, though some are also endophytic or weakly pathogenic. They often produce dark, tough fruiting bodies called perithecia, which contain spores adapted for dispersal in terrestrial environments. Many Xylariales species are notable for their production of bioactive secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, enzymes, and pigments. They are widely distributed globally and play an essential role in nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems.