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Auricularia auricula
The common name for this fungus, the "Jelly Ear," is very appropriate--a rarity with common names in English. Just take a look at the photos to the right, and you can see why people think Auricularia auricula looks like the missing part of a Van Gogh self portrait. Unlike the cup fungi, this fungus has jelly-like flesh, and its spores are catapulted from little spore-holders, placing it in the Basidiomycetes rather than in the Ascomycetes, where spores are forcibly shot out of little spore-jets. Ecology: Saprobic on decaying hardwood and conifer sticks and logs; spring, summer, and fall (sometimes even in winter); widely distributed in North America. Fruiting Body: Wavy and irregular; typically ear-shaped; 2-15 cm; gathered together and attached at a central or lateral position; fertile surface (usually the "downward" one) gelatinous, tan to brown; sterile surface (usually the "upper" one) silky to downy, veined, irregular, brown; flesh thin, gelatinous-rubbery.
Growing (along with some lichens & mosses) on a dead tree limb in my yard.
5 Comments
.....then we BOTH got lucky, huh? :)
You’re welcome Sarah! I just found it out recently when someone corrected my spotting on Mushroom Observer ;P
OH....Thanks, Christine!! I just looked up JELLY EAR!!
I will change my scientific name!!
Here's a reference concerning the change... https://www.researchgate.net/publication...
Nice spotting! I think that the current correct taxonomy for the North American species of Wood Ear is considered to be Auricularia angiospermarum. Recent studies show that Auricularia auricula-judae is not endemic to North America.