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
Tremellodendron pallidum
Jellied False Coral
(Schw.) Burt, 1915
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An intriguing macrofungus that physically mimics true coral fungi but possesses a vastly different textural structure. The fruiting body consists of tough, erect, flattened and multi-branched cluster stalks, ranging from cream-white to pale buff or light grayish-brown. Unlike true brittle coral fungi, its flesh is distinctly leathery, cartilaginous, and rubbery-gelatinous when wet, drying to a stiff, rigid, and brittle bone-like texture.
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Anonymous Curator
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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).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Auriculariales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Incertae sedis
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Tremellodendron
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Schw.) Burt, 1915
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.
Unknown
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
Primarily terrestrial, growing on the ground in temperate and subtropical mixed forests and deciduous woodlands. It shows a strong ecological preference for rich organic soil, moist humus layers, and deep leaf litter, frequently found under hardwood trees such as oaks (Quercus) and beeches (Fagus) across eastern North America.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
A non-motile terrestrial saprotroph that processes complex forest floor organic components into baseline chemical elements. Its underground vegetative mycelial tissue grows year-round, emerging upwards exclusively during warm, humid conditions to form rubbery coral-like frameworks designed to shed reproductive material into surrounding microclimates.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 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
The cartilaginous and leathery consistency acts as a highly effective hydrological survival adaptation; it prevents the fruiting body from rotting quickly during extended periods of heavy rain, unlike true clavarioid coral fungi.
Possesses a remarkable revivescence ability. When environmental conditions dry out, the branched structures shrink and become bone-hard, entering an inactive state, only to expand and resume spore release once moisture levels return.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss and fragmentation of mature multi-layered native forests through urbanization and intensive logging, which disrupts the microclimate and localized soil canopy dynamic required for mycelial longevity.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite looking identical to true coral fungi (Clavaria), microscopic examination reveals that it is a jelly fungus relative, possessing evolutionary basidia with longitudinal septa characteristic of the Auriculariales.