Cloud Ear

Auricularia polytricha (A. nigricans)

Family: Auriculariaceae

Also called: Cloud Ear, Mao Mu Er, 毛木耳, Hairy Jelly Ear

Cloud Ear (Auricularia polytricha (A. nigricans))
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Overview

Thicker, hairier counterpart to A. heimuer. Tropical to subtropical SE Asia, southern China, Pacific Islands, and Hawaii. Densely felted upper surface. Used dried in stir fries, soups, and Vietnamese spring rolls. Always cook before eating.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Monsoon

Season

Year-round in wet season — typical fruiting months: , Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Host trees & substrate

  • Dead broadleaf log

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Cloud Ear on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.