Abbey Meadows

Abbey Meadows

Saturday 19 February 2011

Jelly Ear



I see even common fungi names have to be politically correct these days. When I was about 13 Jew's ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) was one of the first fungi (non field mushroom) that I was able to identify from a book (Observers book of fungi). In the more recent references I have including great works by Sterry and Phillips it is known as Jelly ear with the exception of the wonderful and readable Norfolk mycologist Peter Jordan who still uses the original name. Jelly is probably more appropriate referring to the tough gelatinous texture and the floppy ear shape of the fungus. It is very common all the year round but more noticable and photographic in the winter months. The pic above was taken on an Elder in the Wansbeck pub car park this afternoon.

3 comments:

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

Jelly ear not only seems more kind-hearted, but more appropriate as you suggested. I don't remember seeing this one - or else I didn't notice. (A mistake that wont' happen again.)

Skev said...

Hello Nigel,

Picked up on the Widrington 'Blue Sky Forest' plans on the local North East news this morning:
http://blueskycounty.co.uk/index.htm

Isn't that on/near your patch?

abbey meadows said...

It is on the patch Skev but the plans keep changing but I will be keeping an eye on the new ponds that have been created there.