Sweet Osmanthus Ear Fungus (Dacryopinax spathularia)

Sweet Osmanthus Ear Fungus spotted growing on a log at Coney Island Park

Photo credits: Amelia Lim

Scientific name: Dacryopinax spathularia

Common name: Sweet Osmanthus Ear Fungus, 桂花耳；guìhuā'ěr

Commonly called the Sweet Osmanthus Ear fungus, this fungus can commonly be spotted on dead logs around nature parks of Singapore including Coney Island Park and Hay Dairy Nature park.

The common name of this fungus comes from the resemblance to the Osmanthus flower petals. It is commonly spatula shaped, and bright yellow to orange in colour when fresh, and may look darker (orangey-red) in colour when it is dry. It has a jelly like texture, and is commonly known as a type of jelly fungus. 

flowers of the fragrant Osmanthus plant

When cultivated properly, the Sweet Osmanthus Ear Fungus is edible.

Vegetarians may recognize this fungus from a vegetarian dish Buddha's delight, where this fungus is commonly included. 

Buddha's delight dish

WARNING: ALTHOUGH IT IS CLASSIFIED AS EDIBLE, FUNGI MAY ABSORB TOXINS AND POLLUTION FROM THE ENVIRONMENT OR RESEMBLE CLOSELY TO POISONOUS SPECIES , AND THUS SHOULD NOT TO BE EATEN UNLESS 100% SURE IT IS SAFE.