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Jelly fungus

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Jelly fungi
A jelly fungus (Tremella cf. fuciformis)
A jelly fungus (Tremella cf. fuciformis)
Scientific classificationEdit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Subdivision: Agaricomycotina
Orders with jelly fungus species

Tremellales
Auriculariales
Dacrymycetales
Sebacinales

Jelly fungi are a paraphyletic group of several heterobasidiomycete fungal orders from different classes of the subphylum Agaricomycotina: Tremellales, Dacrymycetales, Auriculariales and Sebacinales.[1][2] These fungi are so named because their foliose, irregularly branched fruiting body is, or appears to be, the consistency of jelly. Actually, many are somewhat rubbery and gelatinous. When dried, jelly fungi become hard and shriveled; when exposed to water, they return to their original form.

Many species of jelly fungi can be eaten raw; poisonous jelly fungi are rare [needs source] and may not even exist. However, many species have an unpalatable texture or taste. They may or may not be sought in mushroom hunting due to their taste, which is described as similar to that of soil. However, some species, Tremella fuciformis for example, are not only edible but prized for use in soup and vegetable dishes.

Notable jelly fungi

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See also

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Notes

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References

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  • Hibbett, David S. (2007). "Agaricomycotina. Jelly Fungi, Yeasts, and Mushrooms". Tree of Life Project.
  • Deacon, Jim W. (2005). "Jelly Fungi". Fungal Biology (4 ed.). Malden, MA: Blackwell. ISBN 1-4051-3066-0.
  • Hogan, C. Michael (8 January 2009). Stromberg, N. (ed.). "Witch's Butter: Tremella mesenterica". Archived from the original on 21 September 2012.
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