Jelly fungus (Auricularia sp.) (CHEUNG_KwanHo)
Updated on 14/11/2013
Other Photos of Topic Basidiomycetes
Description
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CUHK
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petal
,
sepal
,
pileus
,
pistil
,
suspensor
,
epidermis
,
stipe
,
ovule
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Labellum
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stamen
Popular Tag
petal
, sepal
, pileus
, pistil
, suspensor
, epidermis
, stipe
, ovule
, Labellum
, stamen
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Jelly fungi have gelatin like consistency because the texture of the structural hyphae of these fungi have walls that are not thin or rigid as most fungi but are instead expanded out to a rather diffuse and indefinite extent. During dry periods, jelly fungi hyphae collapse down and become hard and resistant to bending but as soon as they come in contact with moisture, they expand back to their original gelatinous structure. Therefore, they are able to exist in dry environment for many months and when in contact with moisture, return to their original self. They may be among the earliest fungi to be seen in spring because they have remained dry all winter only to revive with the first melting of snow or during winter thaws.