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Leafy brain

Phaeotremella foliacea

A species of Phaeotremella, Also known as Brown witch's butter

Leafy brain is a parasitic slime mold that feeds off mushrooms. As hinted by its name, it has distinct lobes that start off leaflike and become more wrinkled and brain-like with age. This slime mold shrivels into black crusts when dry but can perk up again after rain.

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Leafy brain

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Attributes of Leafy brain

Flesh

Firm; white

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary

Nutrient Gathering

Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods, On mushrooms

You can find Leafy brain by these plants:

Pines, Bleeding stereum, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Leafy brain

Fruiting Body Habit & Habitat

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Habitat of Leafy brain

The leafy brain can be found in woods and wooded areas. The species has a fungal host (members of the Stereum genus) that can be found on dead wood. The leafy brain grows on the deadwood attacked by this fungus.

Distribution Area of Leafy brain

North America,Europe,central and South America,Asia,Australia

Scientific Classification of Leafy brain

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Similar Species to Leafy brain

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Tips for Finding Leafy brain

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What are Some Tips for Finding Leafy brain

Search around fallen trees and accumulated woody debris in forests, focusing particularly on hardwood areas.
Inspect decaying logs and branches carefully, as leafy brain often accompanies wood decay fungi.
Look for gelatinous, ear-shaped structures as identifiers for leafy brain.
Check during consistent conditions of high humidity, which are conducive to leafy brain's appearance.

How to Clean and Preserve Leafy brain

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Leafy brain

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Exidia saccharina