Jelly mushrooms

Jelly mushrooms belong to a wide diverse group in the basidiomycetes. Many species must be closely evaluated under microscope before determining. Most jelly fungi swell when it rains, then shrink back up during warm periods or sun. Notable jelly mushrooms are Tramella fuciformus and Pseudonym gelatinosum. Also included in jelly mushrooms are slime molds. Technically they aren't mushrooms or even fungi, but still occur in this category.

Above: Tramella fuciformus

Pseudonym gelatinosum

The other day I was inspired by a friend informing me about Pseudonym gelatinosum. Pseudonym gelatinosum is a jelly mushroom that lacks much flavor and has a gelatin feel and appearance to it. The underside of the cap has these small teeth-like spines and appears to need a shave. These jelly mushrooms are saprobic on woody debris or well decayed conifer logs. I kept finding them near extremely mossy hillsides facing towards the direction of sun rise.

These mushrooms are known to be made into candy, jellies and soups. Most west coast versions of jelly mushrooms are edible, but some must be cooked before eating.

Saprobic - feeds on decaying or dead organic matter