Auricularia mesenterica

(Dicks.) Pers.

Growing on bark-less Norway maple in Billericay, Essex.
On a sycamore pruning stub in Bedford, Bedfordshire
Growing on bark-less Norway maple in Billericay, Essex
Growing upon exposed bark on an old-standing pruning wound on ash in Bedford, Bedfordshire
Abundant fruiting on a torn co-dominant stem of ash along the River Great Ouse, Bedfordshire

Growing on bark-less Norway maple in Billericay, Essex.
On a sycamore pruning stub in Bedford, Bedfordshire
Growing on bark-less Norway maple in Billericay, Essex
Growing upon exposed bark on an old-standing pruning wound on ash in Bedford, Bedfordshire
Abundant fruiting on a torn co-dominant stem of ash along the River Great Ouse, Bedfordshire
The underside of a fruit body in Essex, UK.
Broadly resupinate fruit bodies on sycamore in Bedfordshire, UK.
The underside of a small fruit body in Essex, UK.
Developing fruit bodies upon senescent fruit bodies on wood in Essex, UK.
Zoned greening on the upper surface on ash in Essex, UK.

Common name

Tripe fungus

Often found on

Ash, beech, elm, maple.

Sometimes found on

Other broadleaved species.

Location

Found on old pruning wound sites and columns of dysfunction where bark has been lost. Usually in abundance.

Description

Annual (rehydrates). Jelly-like / rubbery. Upper surface begins white and scurfy and develops zoned bands of greens, browns, and whites. Pore surface gelatinous beige-brown. Desiccates to a dark purple beneath. Unmistakeable.

Confused with

Auricularia auricula-judae (in early stage – skin-coloured).

Significance

Attributed to a white rot of the wood. No research has been undertaken on the pathogenicity of this fungus. Isolated usually to dysfunctional areas. Presence of pruning wounds suggests decay behind the stub. Abundance longitudinally indicative of a decay column.