Birch Jelly
VU

Birch Jelly

Exidia repanda

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exidia_repanda

Overview

Exidia repanda is a species of fungus in the family Auriculariaceae. In the UK, it has the recommended English name of birch jelly. Basidiocarps are gelatinous, orange-brown, and button-shaped. It typically grows on dead attached twigs and branches of birch and has been recorded from Europe, North America, and Japan.

Birch Jelly faces significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and the decline of mature deciduous forests, particularly those containing its host birch trees. Climate change and forest fragmentation further compound these pressures by altering moisture conditions essential for this fungal species' survival and reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Birch Jelly occurs on dead and dying branches of birch trees (Betula species) in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favoring moist woodland environments. This saprophytic fungus requires specific humidity conditions and is typically found in mature forest ecosystems with abundant decaying birch wood.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Birch Jelly classified as Vulnerable?
Birch Jelly is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Birch Jelly faces significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and the decline of mature deciduous forests, particularly those containing its host birch trees. Climate change and forest fragmentation further compound these pressures by altering moisture conditions essential for this fungal species' survival and reproduction.
Where does Birch Jelly live?
Birch Jelly occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Birch Jelly?
The main threats to Birch Jelly are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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