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Frost-resistant fungi, ear fungus

Frost-resistant fungi, ear fungus

Winter is a lean time for spotting fungi. The visible parts are the fruiting bodies, and in most species these are very vulnerable to frost.

There are, however, some exceptions which can still be seen.

Frost-resistant fungi, ear fungus

One such is the jelly ear fungus, with gelatinous flesh which can survive being frozen solid then thawing. They grow on the trunks and branches of (usually) dead or dying trees. Their preferred host is elders, but they can also be found on sycamore, ash, beech among other trees. They’re often at a convenient height which means they can be looked at without too much bending down or stretching up