Jelly Ear Fungus - Auricularia auricula-judae

Mature fruitbodies are tough, cartilaginous and ear shaped, attached to the substrate by one edge.  Very young specimens are cup-shaped.  The upper surface is finely downy and the lower (fertile or hymenial) surface is smooth or veined.  Typically they are a pinkish-brown or purplish-brown, but may be paler or darker brown, or very rarely may be white.  Dry specimens are darker and have a horn-like texture, but regain theri shape when re-wetted. 

Young cup-shaped specimens may look like a Peziza or related cup fungus, but these have a brittle texture and the fertile surface is upper side.

Photograph in habitat; note substrate and associated tree species

On wood from deciduous trees and shrubs, favouring Elder

All year round

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.