Dacrymyces Palmatus

Day 49: It can be difficult to distinguish a specimen of Dacrymyces palmatus (Orange Jelly, above) from Tremella mesenterica (Witches' Butter) without a microscope, but if you are in the field, your best course of action is to examine the substrate on which they are growing. Dacrymyces grows on rotting conifer wood, Tremella on that of hardwoods (rarely on conifer). As Dacrymyces dry out, they tend to collapse in on themselves and deteriorate. On the other hand, Tremella shrinks and hardens. Neither species is poisonous, but neither are they considered edible (a term which implies some desirability as a food).