What are Jelly Fungi?

Jelly fungi are types of fungi that belong to several different orders, including Auriculariales, Dacrymycetales, and Tremellales. They belong to the class Heterobasidiomycetes and form mushrooms that have a gelatinous appearance. Jelly fungi can typically be found growing on logs as well as on twigs and tree stumps. Some actually grow on certain plants, moss, and even other types of fungus. They are most commonly found in the fall or summer months.

Jelly fungi are typically white, orange, pink, rose-colored, brown, or black. They tend to lack a definite shape and look more like seaweed or a glob of jelly and than anything else. Often, jelly fungi form cup-like shapes or branches that make them appear like coral. When they are yellow to orange in color, they are given the nickname "Witch's Butter."

Among mushrooms, jelly fungi are very unique. The vast majority of mushrooms have club-like spore-creating cells, called basidia, that are used for reproducing. Typically, these cells are found on tubes and ridges beneath the mushroom cap. Spore-creating cells are different in jelly fungi. They have walls or a forked appearance. Additionally, they are found on the upper surface of the growth as opposed to beneath the mushroom cap.

Though their strange appearance may suggest otherwise, jelly fungi are often edible. Typically, they can be eaten raw, and they are rarely poisonous. There is only one type of jelly fungi that is frequently harvested and then sold in stores: Cloud Ear or Wood Ear. This type is most frequently used in soup and is described as having a texture that is both slippery and crunchy at the same time. Though many of the other types are edible, there are quite a few that aren't widely considered attractive to the palate. In fact, many of them are described as having a taste that is similar to that of soil.

Snow Fungus is another popular type of jelly fungi. It's commonly called White Fungus and is sometimes referred to as Silver Tree Ear Fungus as well. This type grows on trees, in groups that have a frilly type of appearance; it is translucent and has an off-white coloring. Typically, it is dried at purchase, and the user has a soak it before it can be used. It is tasteless, but some people enjoy its gelatinous texture and appreciate the medical benefits it is rumored to provide; it's most frequently used in Chinese dishes and is often added to savory as well a sweet recipes.

Jelly fungi are a diverse group of fungi known for their gelatinous texture, which can range from firm and rubbery to soft and jelly-like. They belong to several different taxonomic orders and are found on wood and other plant material, often in moist or humid environments. Their unique consistency is due to the presence of gelatinous substances within their cells.

Jelly fungi are commonly found on dead or decaying wood, such as logs and stumps, in forests and wooded areas. They thrive in moist conditions and are more prevalent during wet seasons. Some species can also be found on living trees, where they inhabit the bark or exposed wood surfaces.

Some jelly fungi are edible, such as the wood ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) which is used in Asian cuisine. However, as with all wild mushrooms, correct identification is crucial, and some jelly fungi may be inedible or have unknown edibility. Always consult a knowledgeable mycologist or reliable field guide before consuming any wild fungi.

Jelly fungi play a vital role in forest ecosystems as decomposers. They break down wood and other plant materials, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This decomposition process is essential for nutrient cycling and supports the growth of new plants and the overall health of forest habitats.

Jelly fungi reproduce through spores, which are often produced on specialized structures called basidia. When conditions are right, the spores are released into the air and, if they land on a suitable substrate, they can germinate and grow into new fungi. Some species also reproduce asexually through fragmentation.

Common species of jelly fungi include the witch's butter (Tremella mesenterica), known for its bright yellow-orange color, and the wood ear (Auricularia auricula-judae), which is brown and ear-shaped. Identification is based on characteristics such as color, shape, texture, and habitat. Consulting a field guide or expert is recommended for accurate identification.