About: Phaeotremella foliacea

Phaeotremella foliacea (synonym Tremella foliacea) is a species of fungus in the family Phaeotremellaceae. It produces brownish, frondose, gelatinous basidiocarps (fruit bodies) and is parasitic on the mycelium of Stereum sanguinolentum, a fungus that grows on dead attached and recently fallen branches of conifers. It is widespread in north temperate regions. In the UK it has the recommended English name leafy brain and has also been called jelly leaf and brown witch's butter. Prior to 2017, the name Tremella foliacea was also applied to similar-looking species on broadleaf trees, now distinguished as Phaeotremella frondosa and Phaeotremella fimbriata.