Auricularia

Auricularia is a genus of jelly fungi in the family Auriculariaceae. There are about eight species described in this genus, which has a widespread distribution. Preliminary phylogenetic studies suggest the Exidiaceae is closely related to Auriculariaceae, the two share many morphological traits. Fruitbody either resupinate or pileate and then either ear-to shell-shaped or forming narrow, imbricate brackets, flabby elastic or tough gelatinous; hymenial surface smooth, wrinkled or veined, often purplish. Basidia cylindrical, with 1-3 transeverse septa. Spores narrowly ellipsoid to allantoid, hyaline, smooth. Most Auricularia species are edible and are grown commercially. Auricularia species are widely distributed in the Western Ghats, Kerala and recently, Auricularia auricula-judae, A. polytricha and A. mesenterica have been reported.