https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/242182031
In the spirit of continuing to learn and share more about the mushroom world my week 3 iNaturalist post showcases of the Apricot Jelly. While out on a walk I came across this small colony of pink and fleshy mushrooms. My initial thought was that this was some variant of the "seudohydnum gelatinosum"(Toothed Jelly Fungus), commonly known as the toothed cat fungus or cat tongue, because of its similar structure and feel.
Apricot Jellys are known to grow all over the North American hemisphere with some instances found in South America (Apricot Jelly). As I've now discovered to be common among mushrooms, these are most often found growing out of decaying wood (Apricot Jelly). This colony however was found next to a footpath in a shaded area, with lots of cover and wet land surrounding it. The fruit bodies are very flexible and are typically 10cm in length and can grow up to 17cm wide, though the ones that I found are considerably smaller (Apricot Jelly). The top side of these mushrooms are sterile and appears slightly verrucose due to the crowding nature of their hyphae (-form the body of fungi and are subject to lots of branching)(Apricot Jelly, Hyphae in Fungi) . These Fungi are edible and from what I have found have a rubbery texture and bland taste, older mushrooms are reported to be tough and indigestible (Guepinia helvelloides, Salmon Salad fungus). They can be eaten raw, pickled, or candied. Next time I see them I might just have to harvest a couple (Guepinia helvelloides, Salmon Salad fungus)! ....As long as I am absolutely sure they are what I think they are of course!
"Toothed Jelly Fungus (Pseudohydnum gelatinosum)." iNaturalist, 18 Sept. 2024, www.inaturalist.org/taxa/54164-Pseudohydnum-gelatinosum. Access date Sept 16, 2024
"Apricot Jelly (Guepinia helvelloides)." iNaturalist, 18 Sept. 2024, www.inaturalist.org/taxa/348814-Guepinia-helvelloides. Access date Sept 16, 2024
"Hyphae in Fungi | Definition, Function & Types - Lesson | Study.com." Study, 18 Sept. 2024, study.com/academy/lesson/hyphae-definition-function-types.html. Access date Sept 16, 2024
"Guepinia helvelloides, Salmon Salad fungus." 18 Sept. 2024, www.first-nature.com/fungi/guepinia-helvelloides.php. Accsess date Sept 16, 2024