auricula-judae (Wood Ear, Jelly Ear, Judas Ear) — Species | WeMush Taxonomy

auricula-judae

Wood Ear, Jelly Ear, Judas Ear

Auricularia auricula-judae, commonly known as the Jelly Ear, is a distinct basidiomycete fungus belonging to the order Auriculariales. Historically treated as a single cosmopolitan species, recent phylogenetic studies (Wu et al., 2015) have revealed it to be a species complex, with the true A. auricula-judae being strictly distributed in Europe, while Asian cultivated strains are largely reclassified as A. heimuer. Morphologically, the fruit body is sessile or substipitate, typically 3-10 cm in diameter, displaying a characteristic auriculate (ear-like) or cupulate shape. The consistency is gelatinous and rubbery when fresh, becoming hard, brittle, and horny upon desiccation, yet possessing the ability to reconstitute fully upon rehydration.

Edibility: Edible. Prized primarily for its texture rather than flavor, the fungus is cartilaginous and crunchy when cooked. It is a staple in Asian cuisine, particularly in hot and sour soups and stir-fries, where it absorbs the flavors of the broth. It requires thorough cooking to ensure digestibility and to eliminate potential bacterial contaminants from the substrate. Safety: Contains adenosine and other anticoagulants which inhibit platelet aggregation. Excessive consumption can lead to 'Szechwan purpura' (internal bleeding/bruising). Individuals on blood thinners or those scheduled for surgery should consume with caution or avoid it.

Habitat: Predominantly found in temperate deciduous forests and damp woodlands. It is a saprotroph growing on dead or dying wood.. Substrates: Sambucus nigra (Elder) - primary host, Fagus (Beech), Acer (Sycamore/Maple), Fraxinus (Ash), Other broadleaf hardwoods. Conditions: Thrives in high humidity environments; fruit bodies are often found after heavy rains. Prefers cool to temperate climates.. Season: Can be found year-round in damp conditions but fruits most prolifically in autumn, winter, and early spring.

Difficulty: BEGINNER

Growth: moderate

Contam Risk: low

Cultivation Suitability

Preferred Substrates

Hardwood sawdust (Oak, Beech)

Supplemented sawdust blocks (bran/wheat)

Natural hardwood logs (inoculated via dowels)

Distribution

Native: Europe (True A. auricula-judae), North America (Cryptic sister species), Asia (Related species A. heimuer and A. cornea). Introduced: Global cultivation has spread various Auricularia strains worldwide. The species complex is cosmopolitan, though strict taxonomic definitions now limit true A. auricula-judae primarily to Europe.

Known Strains (0)

No strains cataloged yet for this species.

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