Star Jelly

Description:

A colonizing cyanobacterium that forms broad mats in gardens, lawns and pathways. Star jelly or Witch's Butter forms large colonies, often on well compacted soil and in thin areas of lawn. This species can become dormant to survive harsh conditions like drought and freezing temperatures.

Habitat:

Compacted soils, moist areas

Notes:

This algae is eaten in several Asian countries including China, Taiwan, Japan and Indonesia. Star jelly grows in thin and well compacted areas of lawn, but does not kill lawns, rather it colonizes spaces that are already un-healthy.