Cloud Ear Fungus

Auricularia cornea

Description:

Cloud ear fungus (Auricularia cornea), aka jelly ear fungus, of the family Auriculariaceae. It was definitely soft and rubbery, and the name Auricularia means "pertaining to ears". It's no surprise then that this is classified as a "jelly" fungi species. A beautiful specimen all by its lonesome. Approx. 5 cms in width, although can grow to about 10 cms. Aka Pacific cloud ear. It is an edible albeit tasteless species often used in Chinese cooking. PS: The 3rd and 4th photos I took about 3 weeks later, having returned to the same location. I was unable to locate the original specimen, but the substitute was roughly the same size. I just wanted a decent pic to show the pore surface. It was also much darker than my original specimen.

Habitat:

Spotted on a rotten log in subtropical rainforest. Full shade, and still very moist due to recent rains. Found on the Gold Creek walking trail at Gold Creek Reservoir, which lies just to the west of Brisbane. Freshwater lake and dense native bushland vegetation of dry eucalypt forests and subtropical rainforests. PS: Also at the same location and on the same log - https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19...