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Plant Profile

Order:

Tremellales

Family:

Tremellaceae (Jelly Fungi)

Type:

Fungi

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

15 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Hedgerows, wetland, woodland.

Fruit:

The fruiting body of Tremella mesenterica is a bright yellow to orange-yellow, gelatinous mass that resembles a small, irregularly lobed brain or cluster of wrinkled folds. Typically 2–8 cm across, it can merge into larger mats on decaying wood, especially after rain, and swells significantly when wet while shriveling when dry. Its texture is soft, jelly-like, and somewhat rubbery, with a translucent, shiny surface that becomes matte as it dries. The folds and lobes are irregular and often branching, giving it a coral- or brain-like appearance, and it grows directly on the decaying branches or twigs of hardwoods.

Fragrance:

Tremella mesenterica has a very mild and subtle fragrance, often described as faintly earthy or musty, typical of fungi growing on decaying wood. When fresh and moist, it may carry a slight woody or damp forest smell, but it is generally not aromatic or distinctive, and most people would barely notice any scent. As it dries, its fragrance becomes even less perceptible, essentially neutral, making it more notable for its bright color and texture than for any smell.

Other Names:

Yellow Brain Fungus.

Frequency (UK):

Common

Additional Information

Witches’ Butter is the common name for several gelatinous fungi, most famously Tremella mesenterica, that appear as bright yellow to orange, jelly-like masses on decaying wood. These fungi are often found on hardwood branches, twigs, and logs in moist, shaded environments, and their irregular, lobed, brain- or coral-like fruiting bodies swell when wet and shrink when dry. They are generally edible but bland, with a soft, rubbery texture, and have a very mild, earthy fragrance. Witches’ Butter plays an ecological role as a saprotroph or parasite on other wood-inhabiting fungi, helping break down dead plant material, and is more notable for its striking color and gelatinous texture than for culinary or aromatic qualities.

Witches’ Butter: The Golden Jelly of the Forest

Among the countless fungi that inhabit our forests, Witches’ Butter stands out for its vivid color, unusual texture, and intriguing ecological role. Known scientifically as Tremella mesenterica, this gelatinous fungus has captured the curiosity of foragers, naturalists, and garden enthusiasts alike. Its bright yellow to orange, jelly-like fruiting bodies appear almost magical, seeming to glow against the muted browns and greens of decaying wood in damp, shaded habitats.

Identification and Appearance

Witches’ Butter is unmistakable once you know what to look for. The fruiting body is soft, gelatinous, and irregularly lobed, often described as brain- or coral-like in shape. Typically 2–8 cm across, clumps may merge to form mats exceeding 15 cm on decaying branches or logs. The surface is shiny and translucent when wet, swelling with moisture, but it shrinks dramatically and becomes rubbery and matte when dry. The irregular folds and lobes give it a sculptural, almost alien appearance, making it one of the most visually striking fungi in woodlands.

Unlike many fungi, Witches’ Butter’s fruiting bodies are ephemeral, appearing primarily after rain. However, the underlying mycelium is perennial, living within the wood and capable of producing fruiting bodies repeatedly over multiple years. Its habitat is closely tied to decaying hardwoods—oak, beech, and other broadleaves are preferred—but it can also appear on pruned garden wood, hedgerow debris, and occasionally in leaf litter where embedded twigs provide suitable substrate. Moist, shaded environments where the wood remains damp are ideal for its growth.

Ecological Role

Ecologically, Witches’ Butter is fascinating. It is saprotrophic or, in some cases, parasitic on other wood-inhabiting fungi. By breaking down dead plant material or feeding on other fungi, it plays a small but vital role in forest nutrient cycles. Its presence can indicate a healthy, dynamic woodland ecosystem, rich in decomposers and microhabitats for other organisms.

Edibility and Culinary Notes

From a culinary perspective, Witches’ Butter is edible but not highly prized. Its taste is extremely mild, and its texture is soft, jelly-like, and somewhat rubbery. In some Asian cuisines, similar jelly fungi are used in soups or desserts for their texture rather than flavor, but Tremella mesenterica is rarely harvested for food in the West. Because it grows on decaying wood, care should be taken to avoid collecting specimens from polluted or chemically treated substrates.

Fragrance and Sensory Experience

The fungus is almost odorless, with only a very faint earthy or woody scent detectable when fresh. Its main appeal is visual and tactile—the bright color and gelatinous texture make it a striking addition to any woodland scene. Observing Witches’ Butter after rain, when it swells to its full size, can feel almost magical, as if a small sunburst has appeared on a damp log.

Historical and Cultural Context

Witches’ Butter has a long history of folklore and curiosity. Its unusual appearance and sudden appearance after rain inspired superstitions, leading to the name “Witches’ Butter.” In some traditions, it was thought to be a sign of witches’ spells or supernatural activity. Today, the name is mostly whimsical, but it reflects the longstanding human fascination with fungi that defy easy classification.

Conclusion

While it may not be a gourmet delight, Witches’ Butter offers a window into the complexity and beauty of woodland ecosystems. Its bright, gelatinous fruiting bodies, ephemeral yet recurring, demonstrate the hidden dynamics of decay, parasitism, and nutrient cycling that sustain forests. For naturalists, photographers, and fungi enthusiasts, encountering Witches’ Butter is a reminder that even the smallest organisms can inspire wonder and curiosity.

Whether you’re a casual woodland walker or a dedicated mycologist, keep an eye out for this golden jelly. After a rain, it can transform ordinary dead wood into a miniature spectacle, glowing brightly against the muted tones of the forest floor, a small but vivid testament to nature’s intricate artistry.

Witches' Butter

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