Fungus
Jelly Ear
Auricularia auricula-judaeAlso known as Wood Ear
Jelly Ear forms brown gelatinous folds that often resemble small irregular ears on dead or weakened wood. The structures become firmer and darker in dry weather, then swell again after rain.
jelly funguswood decomposerear-shaped
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyDecomposes lignin and cellulose in dead or weakened hardwood
Predators
- slugs
- insect larvae
- small mammals
ThreatsRemoval of dead wood, prolonged drought, and loss of mature wooded habitat
HabitatsDamp woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and shaded sites with decaying broadleaf branches
Life spanIndividual structures persist for days to weeks while the wood-inhabiting mycelium lasts much longer
Classification
- OrderAuriculariales
- FamilyAuriculariaceae
- GenusAuricularia
- SpeciesAuricularia auricula-judae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Look-alikes can be misidentified; do not eat or ingest any wild fungus without expert confirmation.
Responsible observation
- Observe: Note texture and attachment without peeling structures from the wood.
- Document: Record the host tree and changes between wet and dry conditions.
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