Species details
Black witch's butter
Exidia glandulosa
Inedible
Photo: Alyssa Millington · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A black gelatinous wood fungus with a wrinkled, finely granular upper surface and toothed margin.
Identification features
Fruitbodies are black, gelatinous, separate to confluent, often conical or irregular. The upper surface is wrinkled and finely granular; the underside is darker and somewhat floccose.
Identification checklist
Check the black gelatinous texture, wrinkled finely granular fertile surface and clearly delimited toothed margin.
How to separate similar species
Bulgaria inquinans has a smoother, glossier cup-like surface and may strongly stain fingers.
Habitat
Grows on dead hardwood, especially oak and hazel, mainly during cool wet periods.
Fruiting period
October, November, December, January, February, March, April