Black fungus, Wood ear, Hairy Jew’s ear
Auricularia polytricha
Family: Auriculariaceae
What it is like
A mushroom. This jelly fungus or mushroom grows on logs. The cap is ear-shaped. It is leathery and 8 cm across. The stalk is short. It has frilly, brownish clumps of translucent tissue.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. In Thailand it grows on logs of Sesbania, Kapok, or mango. In China and the USA it is often near melting snow.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chile, China, Congo, East Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, Himalayas, Hong Kong, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Russia, Samoa, SE Asia, South Africa, South America, Southern Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The mushroom is used both fresh and dried. It is used in sour salads and in soups. It can also be fried with chicken. It keeps its crunchy texture if only added to dishes in the last few minutes of cooking.
It is sold in markets. It is cultivated in China. It is sold in Asian shops in Australia.
Edible parts
Mushroom, spice, fungus, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Arage-kikurage, Biyae, Black shelf fungus, Cendawan telinga kera, Chiple, Cloud ear, Daliga, Hakeka, Hed hoo noo, Hed hunu, Hunu, Jelly mushroom, Kikurage, Kuping jamu, Kuping tikus, Kyet neywet, Majiamdzum, Maomuer, Nam meo long, Mo-er, Mook yee, Mu-er, Pachei, Phset chheu, Psoet tratchik kandai, Silver ear, Tree ear, Wood fungus, Wun yee, Xer-bla-ble