Wood Ear

Appearance

The fruiting body is distinguished by its noticeably ear-like shape and brown colouration; it grows upon wood, especially elder.

Naming

Its specific epithet is derived from the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an elder tree; the common name "Judas's ear" eventually became "Jew's ear", while today "jelly ear" and other names are sometimes used.

Distribution

The fungus can be found throughout the year in temperate regions worldwide, where it grows upon both dead and living wood.