Wood Ear

Auricularia auricularia-judae, commonly known as the Jelly Ear, Wood Ear, or Judas's Ear, is a large gelatinous fungus that grows on decaying hardwood, particularly elder trees. The fruiting body is often ear-shaped, with a wrinkled and smooth, downy exterior, ranging from 2 to 15 cm in diameter. Its colour varies from reddish-brown to dark brown, becoming almost black when dried. The texture is rubbery and gelatinous when moist, and it becomes hard and brittle when dry. Unlike many other fungi, A. auricularia-judae lacks gills or pores; instead, it has a smooth undersurface where spores are produced. This fungus plays a significant role in the decomposition of wood, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Although not highly flavourful, it is edible and widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese dishes like hot and sour soup. Medicinally, it has been utilised in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits, including improving blood circulation.