Dacryopinax spathularia

Scientific nameDacryopinax spathularia (Schwein.)
G. W. Martin  
Derivation of nameDacry- means a tear as in weeping
and pinax means a "likeness" or "picture." The genus name
means "looks like tears." Spathul- means "little spade" or
"blade" in reference to the flattened portion of the fruitbody. 
Synonyms:  Cantharellus spathularius (Schwein.) Schwein.,
Guepinia spathularia (Schwein.) Fr., Merulius spathularius
Schwein.
Common name(s): Fan-shaped jelly fungus.  
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Dacrymycetales
Family:   Dacrymycetaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate: Saprobic; in groups or
clusters on decaying, often decorticated, wood; July through
October.   
Dimensions: Fruitbodies 0.5 to 2.5 cm tall.    
Description: Gelatinous fruitbodies are yellow-orange to
orange, have rounded stalks at the base, are flattened upward,
and have an overall fan-shaped to spatula-shaped
appearence.       
Edibility:  Unknown. 
Comments: Dacryopinax spathularia may form dense rows
when fruiting through cracks in the wood. 

More information at Wikipedia.org:


Figure 1. Dacryopinax spathularia often grows in clusters.
Individual fruitbodies have rounded stalks and flattened
blade-like or fan-like upper portions.
Photo © Dorothy Smullen.


Figure 2. This specimen is growing from decaying wood in
a playhouse. Photo © D. Baddorf.


Figure 3. Dacryopinax spathularia often grows from
cracks in decaying wood. In this case, the fungus is
emerging from the gap between two boards in the
playhouse structure of Figure 2. Photo © D. Baddorf.

 

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