A nature conservation blog about the fauna and flora of Wilden Marsh Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Lower Stour Valley, Worcestershire, England.
These fungi typically grow on decaying elder tree branches and are immediately recognisable. Their shapes, colours and clammy feel give no hint at their edibility. The young jelly ear fungus (whilst still soft and moist) make excellent eating. As the fungi age they become tough and almost inedible. Old and tough jelly ear fungus can be dried and ground for use as a flavouring and thickener for soups and stews; young versions need to be boiled for at least 45 minutes before they can be eaten. The flavour is very good and often used in Chinese soups.
The Wilden Marsh Blog 
It looks like leather.
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There is one tree in Hoo Wood covered with jelly ears; I’ve named it the listening tree. 🙂
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Amazing texture – I just want to reach in and touch it!
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They look a little creepy to me, and the texture of a hobgoblin’s ear.
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Listening to the heartbeat of the tree… 🙂
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No, Patricia! Trees do not have heartbeats, and the fungus isn’t really an ear. 😉
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I think they do! 🙂
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That is one unusual looking fungi.
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These fungi typically grow on decaying elder tree branches and are immediately recognisable. Their shapes, colours and clammy feel give no hint at their edibility. The young jelly ear fungus (whilst still soft and moist) make excellent eating. As the fungi age they become tough and almost inedible. Old and tough jelly ear fungus can be dried and ground for use as a flavouring and thickener for soups and stews; young versions need to be boiled for at least 45 minutes before they can be eaten. The flavour is very good and often used in Chinese soups.
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Amazing looking fungi – it DOES look a bit like leather, but very soft velvety textured leather.
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Thanks, Vicki. I think there are ice crystals around some of the edges,
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Reblogged this on Container Crazy Cathy T and commented:
Does look like an Ear!
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