Costa Rica Species
Auricularia auricula-judae
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

Auricularia auricula-judae

Jelly Ear

(Bull.) Quél., 1886

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Gelatinous and elastic fungus with an irregular cup shape resembling a human ear. Its color varies from reddish-brown to dark ochre. The outer surface is finely velvety, while the inner surface is smooth and shiny, often with veins that reinforce its anatomical appearance.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Oreja de maderaWood earMu erJew's ear

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).Auriculariaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Auricularia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bull.) Quél., 1886
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

Mainly inhabits dead wood of broad-leaved trees, especially elderberries (Sambucus). It is cosmopolitan and found in humid and temperate forests, tolerating cold climates where other fungi do not fruit.

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 has the amazing ability to dry out completely during dry periods, becoming hard and brittle, only to rehydrate and regain its shape and reproductive function with the first rain.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

3.0 - 12.0 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

Rehydration capacity (hygroscopicity) allowing it to survive erratic weather conditions and prolong its sporulation period.
Fruiting body smooth on the inside to facilitate spore drop and velvety on the outside to retain moisture.

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

Loss of host tree biodiversity due to intensive forestry.
Climate change altering the rainfall patterns necessary for its rehydration.

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

It is an edible fungus highly prized in Chinese cuisine (known as mǔ ěr), valued more for its crunchy and gelatinous texture than for its mild flavor.
Its popular name is due to the legend that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an elder tree, where these ear-shaped fungi later sprouted.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.