Dacrymyces Palmatus

Day 44: There are a number of Pacific Northwestern jelly fungi which fall under the unofficial nomenclature of "orange blobs," but Dacrymyces palmatus is likely the largest and showiest of the lot. When it is small, it could be mistaken for Tremella mesenterica. However, examination of the substrate will clear up any confusion. Dacrymyces grows on rotting conifer wood and Tremella appears on hardwoods. The outer skin of this species is leathery and tough, covering a mushy interior. When fresh and young, the lobes of this fungus are plump and translucent. As it dries out, the lobes collapse in on themselves, giving it a much more wrinkled appearance. While not actually poisonous, they have an unpleasant taste.