Snow Fungus

Description:

Tremella fuciformis is whitish or nearly transparent, and fairly large - up to about 7 cm across - and it features graceful gelatinous lobes rather than the glob-like blobs that typify so many other jelly fungi. Tremella fuciformis has a life cycle that is intertwined with that of another fungus; in this case an Ascomycete in the genus Annulohypoxylon or Hypoxylon. It is unclear whether Tremella fuciformis actually parasitizes the Hypoxylon, or whether there is a complex symbiosis or mutualism involved. It grows as a slimy, mucous-like film until it encounters its preferred hosts and then invades, triggering the mycelial growth required to form the fruiting bodies.

Habitat:

It may be found on hardwood logs in tropical or subtropical areas after heavy rains

Notes:

This log had a large clump approximately 6” to 7” across, and several small clumps/colonies. The log was in a north-facing location that would remain more moist/humid.