''Calocera viscosa'', commonly known as the yellow stagshorn, is a jelly fungus, a member of the

Dacrymycetales The Dacrymycetes are a class of fungi in the Basidiomycota. The class currently contains the single order Dacrymycetales, with a second proposed order Unilacrymales now treated at the family level. The order contains four families and has a cosmo ...

, an order of fungi characterized by their unique "tuning fork"

basidia A basidium () is a microscopic sporangium (a spore-producing structure) found on the hymenophore of fruiting bodies of basidiomycete fungi which are also called tertiary mycelium, developed from secondary mycelium. Tertiary mycelium is highly- ...

. It has bright orange, yellow or occasionally white branching

basidiocarp In fungi, a basidiocarp, basidiome, or basidioma () is the sporocarp of a basidiomycete, the multicellular structure on which the spore-producing hymenium is borne. Basidiocarps are characteristic of the hymenomycetes; rusts and smuts do ...

s, which are somewhat gelatinous in texture and slimy to the touch (hence the specific name). It is relatively large for a jelly fungus, and can reach up to ten centimetres in height. It is widespread and common, and its bright colour makes it stand out in its habitat. It grows on decaying conifer wood, typically stumps and roots, although this may not be obvious if the wood is covered in leaf litter. It fruits throughout the year, but is most commonly seen in autumn. It is not poisonous, but its tough gelatinous texture and nondescript taste and odour make it unattractive as a food. However, its striking colour has led to it being used as a garnish on occasion.http://www.mushroomdiary.co.uk/2011/10/yellow-stagshorn-fungus/ Mushroom Diary, retrieved 16 August 2012 The species is difficult to identify without examination of microscopic features. '' Calocera cornea'' and ''

Dacrymyces palmatus ''Dacrymyces chrysospermus'' is a species of jelly fungus in the family Dacrymycetaceae. In the UK it has the recommended English name of orange jelly spot; in North America it is known as orange jelly or orange witch's butter. The species is sap ...

'' are related.

References

Dacrymycetes Fungi of Europe Fungi described in 1827 {{Basidiomycota-stub