Group of Fungi: Jelly Fungi

Family: Dacrymycetaceae

Latin Name: Calocera cornea (Batsch) Fr.

Common Name: Clublike Tuning Fork

Description: Slender erect cylindrical structure, single or several arising from a common base, usually unbranched but occasionally with a forked tip, up to 3/4 in (2 cm) tall and 1/32–1/8 in (0.1–0.3 cm) in diameter, gelatinous with a more or less smooth surface, the latter viscid when moist, orange-yellow to golden yellow; spores ochre-yellow in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of wood.

Habitat: On decorticated (without bark) dead branches, fallen logs and stumps of broadleaf trees; usually occurring in clusters.

Geographical Distribution: Found throughout North America.

Comments: Calocera viscosa, a similar species found on the decaying wood of conifers, is larger (up to 3 in [7.5 cm] tall) and typically forked. Like many jelly fungi, both Calocera cornea and Calocera viscosa are capable of drying out and then rehydrating to their original form under moist conditions.