Auricularia ...
The gelatinous, often ear-shaped Jelly Ear Auricularia auricula-judae (Auriculariales: Auriculariaceae) is a widespread and common basidiomycete, typically forming rubbery, brown to reddish-brown fruit bodies that can persist for weeks in cool, damp conditions. It occurs on living or dead branches of numerous hardwood species, showing a particular association with Elder Sambucus nigra where it functions primarily as a saprotroph but can also behave as a weak parasite. The species is tolerant of seasonal drying; fruit bodies frequently desiccate and later rehydrate after rain, resuming their growth.
The specimen shown, one of a small, closely grouped cluster, was recently photographed at Ebernoe Common in West Sussex, a site whose humid, ancient woodland provides ideal conditions for its development.
References:
Buczacki, S., Shields, C. and Ovenden, D. (2012). Collins Fungi Guide: The most complete field guide to the mushrooms and toadstools of Britain & Ireland. London: HarperCollins, p. 592, fig. p. 595.
Kibby, G. (2017). Mushrooms and Toadstools of Great Britain & Europe, Volume 1, pp. 100-101.
O’Reilly, P. (2016). Fascinated by Fungi – exploring the majesty and mystery, facts and fantasy of the quirkiest kingdom on earth. Llandysul: First Nature, p. 298.
Sterry, P. and Hughes. B. (2009). Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools. London: HarperCollins, p. 290, fig. p. 291.
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/auricularia-auricula-judae.php [Accessed, 8th December 2025].
https://species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0001475388#overview [Accessed, 8th December 2025].