Wood ear?

[Justinschluter]

So my buddy and I are debating wether or not this mushroom is wood ear or not

[Dave W]

I think this is a species of Exidia, possibly Exidia recisa.

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/exidia_recisa.html

The thin flesh of Auricularia americana (North American Tree Ear) is a little firmer than Exidia. The upper/lower surfaces of Auricularia are differently textured, but the "lobes" of Exidia (when it forms individual/discernable fruit bodies) are more-or-less uniformely textured. Also, Exidia flesh tends to be softer than Auricualria.

Exidia recisa.

Auricularia americana, upper/lower surfaces.

[Justinschluter]

Thanks Dave I lost the bet but always appreciate your expertise

[Cedric]

Agree. In addition, if you dry the tree ear, then the lower surface becomes rougher, a bit like sandpaper while the upper surface is smoother... Color then become clearly different (black on top, greyish underneatrh)

Cheers

[troutddicted]

Googling the edibility of this shroom yeilds mixed results. Can I ask for your guys input on the edibility of the shroom?

[Dave W]

Do you mean the edibility of Exidia? Not much info on these types, and I haven't tried any of them.

As for the American Wood Ear, it's edible and similar to A. auricula. Best dried and reconstituted for use in stir-fries. Not a lot of flavor, but nice crunchy texture.