Jelly ears

These jelly like ears, are the fruiting bodies of the fungus Auricularia auricula-judae, which makes it living by breaking down dead wood. They have been busy digesting this fallen tree for well over 10 years. Slow, but sure, very, very sure!
The common name Jelly ears is a rather recent invention. In the past they were known as Judas' ears, the clue being in the scientific name; Auricula being the Latin word for ear and Judae referring to Judas who it is said betrayed Jesus Christ. The association with Judas Iscariot comes from its habit of growing on dead elder trees Sambucus nigra, the tree on which Judas is traditionally thought to have hung himself. Given that the elder is not native to the Palestine region, this legend may not be entirely accurate!