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This jelly fungus is a small, bright orange, gelatinous fungus that grows on wood, mostly hardwoods. It can be easily identified by its gelatinous, bright orange fruit bodies, which are typically clustered together.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is small, typically less than 1 inch in diameter, and has a gelatinous, bright orange color. The shape of the cap is often irregular and can be slightly convex or flattened.
- Gills
- The gills are not present on this fungus.
- Stem
- The stem is not present on this fungus. It is a sessile fungus, meaning that it grows directly attached to the wood without a stem.
- Flesh
- The flesh is gelatinous, translucent, and rubbery. It has a mild taste and smell.
- Fruiting body
- The fruit bodies are small, typically less than 1 inch in diameter. They are gelatinous, bright orange, and have a rubbery texture.
- Habitat
- This fungus is commonly found in woodlands and forest floors on dead or decaying hardwood trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Gelatinous, smooth
- Growth Form: Sessile, clustered
- Spore Print: None
- Body color: Bright orange
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: None
- Height: Less than 1 inch
- Cap Diameter: Less than 1 inch
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeThis fungus is not toxic and is considered edible. However, it is not particularly palatable due to its gelatinous texture.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Clustered, gelatinous fruit bodies
- Substrate: Dead or decaying hardwood trees
Where to Find
Woodlands
They are typically found in clusters on dead or decaying wood, mostly hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and birch.
Forest floors
They can also be found on fallen logs and branches.
Finding Tips
Clustered Growth
Look for bright orange, gelatinous fruit bodies clustered together.
Moist and Shady
They are often found in moist, shady areas.
Seasonal Appearance
They can be found throughout the year, but are more common in the spring and fall.
Similar Species
Witches' butter
fungus
Also known as: None
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Tremellomycetes
- Order
- Tremellales
- Family
- Tremellaceae
- Genus
- Tremella
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 0°C (32°F)
- Freezing duration: 6-8 months
- Min Temperature: 0°C (32°F)
- Refrigeration: 4-6 days
How to Clean
These fungi are generally too small and fragile to be cleaned. They can be enjoyed as is, or they can be lightly rinsed with water to remove any dirt or debris.
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