Jelly Ear on Elder

Auricularia auricula-judae.
Also known as Judas's Ear or Jews Ear.

      This example was found in wooded area beside Hadrian Pond, Wallsend.

      This particular fungus can be found on both dead and living wood any time during the year. The original name Judas's Ear is derived from the belief that Judas Escariot hung himself from an Elder Tree and in folklore it was suggested that the ears are his returned spirit.