fungi — Tremella fuciformis and T. mesenterica on cherry

I spied two beautiful Tremella species while working in the field. The white specimen is Tremella fuciformis, also called Snow Ear Fungus. The yellow is Tremella mesenterica, also known as Witch’s Butter. They are non-toxic jelly fungus that feed on decaying wood. In this case, the wood in question is a branch of one of our double flowering cherry trees (ornamental).

Tremella fuciformis has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for skin, brain, and heart health, and for improving immune function.

It’s said that Tremella fungi have a slightly sweet taste and are sometimes used in Asian cuisine.

I’ll have to keep my eyes open for more of these species and investigate both culinary and medicinal preparations further.