Snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis)

Snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis) is a species of fungus in Tremellaceae, a parasitic yeast that produces gelatinous white basidiocarp, grows as a slimy coating on the branches of dead broadleaf trees and is cultivated commercially for food and traditional medicine.

T. fuciformis begins growing as a mucus layer that meets the host, then attacks and triggers the growth of aggressive mycelium which is needed to form a white, watery body like jelly or gelatin.

The body has a width of 7.5 cm or more, consisting of thin, erect, branched leaves. Hyphae appear in a solid gelatinous matrix. Haustorial cells appear in the hyphae, producing filaments that adhere to and penetrate the host hyphae. Basidia is a tremeloid, 10-13x6.5-10 μm. Basidiospores are ellipsoid, smooth, 5-8x4-6 μm, and germinate with hyphal tubes.

Snow fungus follows its host and is usually found on branches of dead, stuck or recently fallen broadleaf trees, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, cultivated in Asian countries in modern ways for sugary dishes, savory dishes, soups and ice cream because texture and benefits of medicinal and beauty products.

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Subphylum: Agaricomycotina
Class: Tremellomycetes
Order: Tremellales
Family: Tremellaceae
Genus: Tremella
Species: Tremella fuciformis

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