Witches' butter
A species of Tremella, Also known as Yellow brain fungus, Golden jelly fungus Scientific name : Tremella mesenterica Genus : Tremella
Witches' butter, A species of Tremella
Also known as:
Yellow brain fungus, Golden jelly fungus
Scientific name: Tremella mesenterica
Genus: Tremella
Photo By Nilfanion , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Witches' butter (Tremella mesenterica) has an irregularly-shaped fruitbody that can be found growing on dead hardwood branches. It has a global distribution, being found in both temperate and tropical forests. Usually yellow in color, its hues may range from subdued lemon to bright canary.
Colors
Yellow
Orange
Habitat
The witches' butter appears in woods and wooded areas, and it's mostly associated with deciduous trees. It grows on decaying wood such as fallen logs and branches, parasitizing on the crust of the Peniophora species.
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People often ask
General Info
Edibility
Witches' butter does not have any smell or flavor, but will add its distinctive jelly texture to food. This mushroom is only edible when it is cooked (boiled or steamed), and it can thicken soups. There are several similar species that are commonly called "Witches' butter," so be certain you know what you have.
Habitat
The witches' butter appears in woods and wooded areas, and it's mostly associated with deciduous trees. It grows on decaying wood such as fallen logs and branches, parasitizing on the crust of the Peniophora species.
Growth Form
Parasitic, clustered, solitary
Sporocarp Height
2 inches
Cap Diameter
3 inches
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Parasitic
Substrate
On wood
Smell
Not distinctive
Spore Print
White
Species Status
Widely distributed in North America
Distribution Area
North America,Europe,Africa,Central and South America,Antarctic islands,Asia,Australia
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Photo By Nilfanion , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Tremellomycetes Order
Jelly fungi Family
Tremellaceae Genus
Tremella Species
Witches' butter