Auricularia auricula-judae
Also known as wood ear, Jew's ear, jelly ear, ear fungus, common ear fungus, black wood ear, Wood Ear
species of fungus
AI overview
Auricularia auricula-judae is a species of fungus that grows on wood and is commonly known as the wood ear or jelly ear mushroom. It has been used in traditional Asian cuisine and medicine for centuries, and is now cultivated commercially in many parts of the world.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Species
Auricularia auricula-judae
SPECIES
- KingdomFungi
- PhylumBasidiomycota
- ClassAgaricomycetes
- OrderAuriculariales
- FamilyAuriculariaceae
via GBIF
Article
Auricularia auricula-judae, commonly known as wood ear, jelly ear or historically as Jew's ear, is a species of fungus in the order Auriculariales. Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) are brown, gelatinous, and have a noticeably ear-like shape. They grow on wood, especially elder. The specific epithet is derived from the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an elder tree.
The fungus can be found throughout the year in Europe, where it normally grows on wood of broadleaf trees and shrubs. Auricularia auricula-judae was used in folk medicine as recently as the 19th century for complaints including sore throats, sore eyes and jaundice, and as an astringent. It is edible but not widely consumed.