Wu and collaborators (2015) attempted to name this third species " Auricularia angiospermarum." However, the Wu publication did not include the correct Mycobank number in the original description of the species, and the name is therefore officially invalid. Instead, we have several genetically distinct species, including: Auricularia americana in the strict sense, which grows on the wood of conifers and, under the microscope, has no medullary zone Auricularia fuscosuccinea, which grows on the wood of hardwoods in the southeastern United States and has a distinct medullary zone and a species-the one described here-that grows on the wood of hardwoods and has no medullary zone. The names Auricularia auricula and Auricularia auricula-judae have been traditionally applied to the mushrooms described here, but fairly recent research (Looney and collaborators 2013, Wu and collaborators 2015) has determined that the auricula-like North American species of Auricularia are not properly placed under those species names. In the southeastern United States, Auricularia fuscosuccinea is virtually identical, to the naked eye, but differs microscopically (see discussion below). Similar jelly fungi include Exidia recisa, which features ridged, concave depressions, and Tremella foliacea, which is a bit more gelatinous and appears like a tightly packed cluster of jelly ears that are fused together. When young and fresh, its underside appears frosted with a whitish dusting, but this often disappears quickly. Its surfaces are brown to reddish brown, and the consistency of the flesh is rubbery and gelatinous. Appearing on the wood of hardwoods or conifers, especially after rains or in wet conditions, the jelly ear ranges from disc-shaped to ear-shaped to irregular and floppy. ![]() One look at this fungus and you can see why people think Auricularia americana looks like the missing part of a Van Gogh self portrait. Here’s a link to some nice wood ear mushroom recipesĪn acidic polysaccharide (containing mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid and xylose) within the mushroom has been found to have some effect on reducing blood coagulation.Auricularia americana (MushroomExpert.Com) Major Groups > Jelly Fungi > Auricularia americanaĪn often-used common name for this fungus, the "jelly ear," is very appropriate-a rarity with common names in English. Its texture lends itself towards oriental cuisine, however, soaked in strong fruit juice and covered in chocolate, it makes an interesting confectionery.Īnother way to enjoy this is in something called a wood ear salad, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, chicken stock & light salad greens – it’s beautiful.Īny recipes that calls for the cultivated wood ear mushroom can be made using jelly ear mushrooms □ It can be rehydrated in strong-flavoured sauces and will take up those flavours. Jell Ear’s ability to dehydrate and rehydrate means it is excellent for long-term storage. However, the elder is a very weak tree and unable to support the weight of a human adult The ears are a sign of his tormented spirit being trapped in the tree. There is a belief that Judas Iscariot hung himself on an elder after betraying Jesus Christ. It rehydrates after rain.įolklore, tall tales, and not so folklore: In dry weather, it shrivels to a fraction of its hydrate size and becomes almost black. On dead or dying broadleaf wood, in particular, ElderĬlick here to see our Identify Elder guideīrown and very much resembling a human ear in look and texture. Widespread throughout temperate and sub-tropical zones globally Uncertain, but the fungus is virtually always free of maggots ![]() ![]() Other cup fungus although the Jelly/Wood Ear always has its “cup” hanging down. Should be avoided by those with haemophilia or taking blood thinners Kingdom: Fungi, Division: Basidiomycota, Class: Agaricomycetes, Order: Auriculariales, Family: Auriculariaceae, Genus: Auricularia, Species: auricula-juda ![]() Judae means Judas, the disciple who is named as betraying Jesus Christ in the Christian Bible – see folklore. Jelly Ear Mushrooms are a delightful edible mushroom and although they can be found all year, early spring is when they’re most prolific.Īuricularia and auricula are both derived from the Latin word for “ear”.
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