How to identify Orange Jelly Fungus

To correctly identify Orange Jelly Fungus (Dacrymyces palmatus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Not applicable, as Dacrymyces palmatus does not have a cap. Its fruit body is a resupinate or cushion-shaped, gelatinous structure.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable, Dacrymyces palmatus is an ascomycete and does not produce gills.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Dacrymyces palmatus does not have a true stem. It attaches directly to the substrate with a constricted base.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is gelatinous, translucent, and rubbery, with no distinct odor or taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit bodies are typically 1-6 cm in diameter, cerebriform (brain-like) or convoluted, lobed, or palmately branched. They are bright orange to yellowish-orange, becoming paler and collapsing upon drying, and reviving to their original texture and color when rehydrated. The texture is gelatinous and rubbery.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Typically found growing on decaying coniferous wood, particularly logs, stumps, and fallen branches. It is a saprobic fungus, aiding in the decomposition of wood.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable, no cap.

Growth Form

Cerebriform, lobed, or palmately branched gelatinous masses attached directly to wood.

Spore Print

White or pale yellowish.

Body color

Bright orange to yellowish-orange.

Odor

Indistinguishable.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise.

Height

Not applicable, spreads across substrate.

Cap Diameter

1-6 cm in diameter (fruit body size).

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable.
• Stem shape: Not applicable, sessile.
• Stem surface: Not applicable.
• Ring: Not applicable.
• Stem cross-section: Not applicable.

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