How to identify Amber Jelly Roll

To correctly identify Amber Jelly Roll (Exidia recisa), 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; this fungus does not produce a distinct cap. The entire fruiting body is the reproductive structure.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable; this is a jelly fungus and does not have gills. Spores are produced on the surface of the convoluted fruiting body.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent. The fruiting body is sessile, attached directly to the substrate at a constricted base.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Gelatinous and translucent, with an elastic and rubbery consistency when fresh and moist. Odor and taste are indistinct.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically 1-4 cm (0.4-1.6 inches) across and 0.5-2 cm (0.2-0.8 inches) high, often occurring in dense clusters. It is gelatinous, lobed, convoluted, or brain-like in appearance, sometimes more cushion-shaped or disc-like. The color ranges from yellowish-brown, amber, or reddish-brown to dark brown, often translucent. When dry, it shrinks significantly to a dark, hard, varnished-looking crust. When moist, it is rubbery and elastic.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on dead deciduous wood, particularly willow (Salix species), but also found on alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), and other hardwoods. It can be found on logs, branches, and fallen trees. Often appears in clusters or rows along cracks in the bark.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable (no cap)

Growth Form

Irregularly lobed, brain-like, or cushion-shaped, often confluent in clusters

Spore Print

White

Body color

Yellowish-brown, amber, reddish-brown, dark brown; translucent

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise

Height

0.5-2 cm (0.2-0.8 inches)

Cap Diameter

1-4 cm (0.4-1.6 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable (no gills)
• Stem shape: Not applicable (no stem)
• Stem surface: Not applicable (no stem)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Not applicable (no stem)

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