Jelly Tree Ear

Strange mushrooms growing in wood: a story of natural wonders

Nature has spread various strange and wonderful gifts around us. Sometimes colorful flowers, sometimes unfamiliar birds and sometimes mushrooms growing on tree trunks. Even though we avoid them, these small gifts nature are very important for environment. The object seen in the picture above looks like ear, soft folded. In fact it is a special type mushroom, which many people know wood ear mushroom jelly fungus.

This mushroom usually grows on wood or tree trunks. It is quite soft and jelly-like in shape, and the color is brown to light reddish. It is clearly understood from the picture that the mushroom is shaped like an ear, bent and folded. That is why it is called “ear mushroom” in many places. When it falls under sunlight lamp light it looks semi-transparent shimmering.

Wood ear mushrooms are usually found growing in moist environments especially wet wood old tree branches. They prefer rainy seasons damp places. This mushroom grows naturally in many Asian countries. In our country, it is also found growing on wet wood logs in rural areas.

Edibility

Not all mushrooms are edible. However, wood ear mushrooms are used as a popular food in many countries. It is a very common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially. This mushroom is given in soups, stir-fries or curries. Although it is not very different in taste, many people like its chewy texture. It is also beneficial in terms of nutrition.

Medicinal properties

This mushroom has been used in ancient medical systems. Especially in Chinese herbal medicine, it is used purify blood keep the body cool. Modern research has also revealed that wood ear mushrooms contain antioxidants, which help body fight diseases.

Its role in nature

Mushrooms are not only food medicine, but also very important for nature.They decompose the wood and return it the soil. As a result soil becomes fertile and it is easier for new trees grow. Therefore, they play an important role decomposers environment.

Many people are surprised when they see it for first time. To some, it looks like a dry ear, to others, it looks like an unknown jelly. Perhaps because it is a strange creation nature, it arouses fear on one hand, and curiosity on the other.

Some precautions

Although this mushroom is edible, it is still important to be sure before eating any wild mushroom. Because there are many poisonous mushrooms in nature, which look almost the same but are not edible. So if you intend to eat it, it is better to never eat it without the help of an experienced person.

The wood ear mushroom reminds us of how strange and beautiful nature can be. It is an interesting creation that can be born from an ordinary wooden log. So when we see such a mushroom we can appreciate its wonderful beauty benefits without being afraid.

Device	Name
Android	oppo A95
Camera	4.71 Mm, f/1.0, (iso100)

Photography:
Location| Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾
Short by |@aburihan

Link to original community|

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/311718128
Latitude Longitude Map|
https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=3.125902&mlon=101.504848#map=12/3.1259/101.5048