Costa Rica Species
Tremella mesenterica
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Tremella mesenterica

Witches' Butter

Retz., 1769

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A gelatinous jelly fungus with a convoluted, brain-like or lobed fruiting body. It has a bright yellow to golden-orange color when moist, becoming a greasy or slimy texture when damp, and drying into a thin, brittle, dark orange crust during dry periods.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Tremellomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Tremellales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Tremellaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Tremella
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Retz., 1769
Record Completeness
85%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Decomposer

EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Widely distributed in temperate and tropical regions. It grows on dead or fallen branches of deciduous trees, emerging from bark crevices, primarily during rainy or humid periods.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

It leads a hidden vegetative life inside wood as a parasite on the mycelium of Stereum species. It only becomes prominent when environmental humidity triggers the emergence of its bright yellow, moisture-absorbing fruiting bodies.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

2.0 - 10.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Capable of undergoing severe dehydration, shrinking into an inconspicuous film, and fully reviving its gelatinous structure within hours of absorbing moisture.
Functions as a mycoparasite, developing specialized tubes called haustoria to invade and feed on the mycelium of wood-rotting fungi, primarily those from the genus Stereum.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Habitat loss through clear-cutting forestry practices that remove deadwood and fallen logs, which are vital substrates for both this fungus and its hosts.
Severe, prolonged droughts driven by climate change that limit the periods suitable for successful spore production and reproduction.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Despite appearing to grow directly on wood as a decomposer, it is actually a parasite stealing nutrients from another fungus that is actively breaking down the timber.
This species can reproduce both sexually through basidiospores and asexually through conidia or by producing budding yeast-like cells.