Tremella Sp

Edibility

Tremella sp are more commonly called jelly fungus and are very widely used in Asian Cuisine. They can be picked and dehydrated although it will dry down to almost nothing then it can be re-hydrated when required. If eaten fresh the texture is very gelatinous and is used more for its texture than its lacklustre flavour.

Habitat

There are a few species of Tremella in Australia with the two most common being Tremella mesenterica and Tremella fuciformis (see attached pictures) . You will find this species growing on rotting wood where they live on the bracket fungi ( usually Stereum sp)that are already occupying the decaying wood. Tremella can be found on introduced and native wood that is starting/or in the process of decaying.

Tremella mesenterica common names :

yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, yellow trembler, and witches' butter.

Tremella fuciformis common names :

snow fungus, snow ear, silver ear fungus, and white jelly mushroom.

Description

This another mushroom whose name comes together perfectly including the scientific name which actually makes sense. 

Tremella, The name comes from the Latin word tremere meaning "to tremble" - a reference to the wobbly-jelly-like structure of this fungi.

This is quite a very good mushroom for beginners due to its quite distinctive characteristics and also habitat which narrows down potential lookalikes however can be quite elusive so you will need patience.

Appearance

This fungi has no cap or stem like many other fungi and The gelatinous, the fruiting body of the fungus can grow up to 9 cm diameter, It has a lobed surface that is almost brain like in appearance, it is slippery and slimy when after it rains however a few days after rain it dries into a thin shriveled mass which will rehydrate after more rain. It grows in crevices in bark, appearing during rainy weather.

Spore Colour  

White.

Distribution

QLD-NSW-VIC-SA-WA-TAS

Lookalikes

Poisonous jelly fungi are rare. However, many species have an unpalatable texture or taste.