Day 48: Not uncommon in Pacific Northwest forests, Dacrymyces palmatus can be distinguished fairly reliably from similar Tremella mesenterica by the fact that this fungus grows on decaying conifer wood. Tremella appears less commonly on rotting fir and hemlock, preferring hardwood as its substrate. Another telling feature requires familiarity with the species in its dry state. Dacrymyces collapses in on itself like a deflated balloon whereas Tremella becomes tough and firm. This was a particularly healthy specimen of Dacrymyces, discovered off-trail during a walk from Longmire to Cougar Rock.
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