Calocera viscosa
Calocera viscosa, commonly known as the yellow stagshorn, is a jelly fungus, a member of the Dacrymycetales, an order of fungi characterized by their unique "tuning fork" basidia.
| Calocera viscosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| At Durmitor National Park, Montenegro | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Dacrymycetes |
| Order: | Dacrymycetales |
| Family: | Dacrymycetaceae |
| Genus: | Calocera |
| Species: | C. viscosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Calocera viscosa | |
Calocera viscosa | |
|---|---|
 | Smooth hymenium |
 | No distinct cap |
 | Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is white |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is not recommended |
It has bright orange, yellow or occasionally white branching basidiocarps, which are somewhat gelatinous in texture and slimy to the touch (hence the specific name). It is relatively large for a jelly fungus, and can reach up to ten centimetres in height.[2] It is widespread and common, and its bright colour makes it stand out in its habitat. It grows on decaying conifer wood, typically stumps and roots, although this may not be obvious if the wood is covered in leaf litter. It fruits throughout the year, but is most commonly seen in autumn.
It is not poisonous, but its tough gelatinous texture and nondescript taste and odour make it unattractive as a food. However, its striking colour has led to it being used as a garnish on occasion.[3]
The species is difficult to identify without examination of microscopic features.[4] Calocera cornea and Dacrymyces palmatus are related.[4]
References
- http://www.mycobank.org/BioloMICS.aspx?Link=T&TableKey=14682616000000067&Rec=77924&Fields=All Mycobank, retrieved 16 August 2012
- http://www.first-nature.com/fungi/calocera-viscosa.php First Nature, retrieved 16 August 2012
- http://www.mushroomdiary.co.uk/2011/10/yellow-stagshorn-fungus/ Mushroom Diary, retrieved 16 August 2012
- Trudell, Steve; Ammirati, Joe (2009). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press Field Guides. Portland, OR: Timber Press. pp. 249–250. ISBN 978-0-88192-935-5.