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 fuciformis
Snow Fungus / White Jelly Mushroom
Berk., 1856
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Tremella fuciformis is a basidiomycete fungus with a gelatinous, translucent, and branched fruiting body reminiscent of seaweed or a piece of snowy coral. It can reach up to 7 cm in width, formed by thin, wavy lobes of pure white. Unlike most fungi that feed directly on wood, this species is a mycoparasite: it requires the presence of fungi from the Annulohypoxylon genus to grow, from which it obtains nutrients while indirectly decomposing wood. When dried, the fungus shrinks drastically becoming a hard, yellowish crust, but it regains its gelatinous shape and texture almost instantly upon rehydration.
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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.Berk., 1856
Record Completeness
93%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.
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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
It inhabits tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, growing on dead logs and branches of broad-leaved trees. It prefers microclimates with very high relative humidity and warm temperatures. It is common in secondary forests and disturbed areas where its host fungus (Annulohypoxylon) has already colonized the wood. In Costa Rica, it is frequent in humid zones on both slopes, appearing on decaying wood during the rainy season.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 is an organism with 'team' biology. By parasitizing Annulohypoxylon, it indirectly facilitates the decomposition of hardwood, recycling nutrients in the ecosystem. Its fruiting bodies provide a very humid microhabitat for small forest invertebrates. It is extremely sensitive to air quality and constant humidity.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 7.0 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
Obligate Mycoparasitism: The fungus cannot produce fruiting bodies without the presence of a specific ascomycete fungus. It has evolved to invade host hyphae via specialized haustoria, allowing it to tap into resources the host has already extracted from the hardwood.
Extreme Rehydration Capacity: Its polysaccharides allow it to retain up to 500 times its weight in water. This adaptation lets it survive drought periods on exposed wood and resume spore production within minutes after rain.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Wild overharvesting: In some regions, intensive collection for the traditional medicine market may reduce local populations, although most supply currently comes from commercial cultivation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Yang Guifei's Beauty Secret: It is said that one of the four beauties of ancient China used this fungus to keep her skin youthful and glowing. Today, Tremella extract is a popular ingredient in high-end cosmetics for outperforming the hydrating capacity of hyaluronic acid.