This dark brown to black gelatinous fungus forms brain-like clusters (blisters) on dying or fallen hardwood trees. Individual fruiting bodies are about an inch across but are usually fused into large clusters. Cluster size may reach 10 inches or more. When dry, this fungus flattens to become a black sheet, but it may return to its original form after rehydration.
Fairly common in Fontenelle Forest during spring in the moist hollows on deciduous wood such as oak and willow. The dried form may be seen well into summer.
Also called Black witches butter. There are several species of Exidia all beginning as more or less translucent blisters. Sugars isolated from this fungus have been shown to have antitumor activity in mice.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Eric Scholar.