Wood Ear mushroom (Auricularia polytricha)

Wood Ear mushroom, a reference photo — Photo: This image was created by user Herbario Nacional de Bolivia - Univ. Mayor de San Andrés (LPB.UMSA) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here. · CC BY-SA 3.0 (licence)

Auricularia nigricans is a species of fungus in the family Auriculariaceae. Basidiocarps (fruitbodies} are gelatinous, ear-like, and grow on dead wood of broadleaf trees. It is found in southern and eastern Asia, North America, South America and the Caribbean.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Wood Ear mushroom being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Auricularia nigricans
Auricularia cornea
Auricularia angiospermarum
Auricularia fuscosuccinea
Auricularia cerrina
Auricularia americana

Classification

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Auriculariales
Family: Auriculariaceae
Genus: Auricularia
Species: Auricularia polytricha

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