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Otidea onotica

(Pers.) Fuckel

Ear-jack fungus, Hare's ear fungus

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(c) Nicolas Van Vooren, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nicolas Van Vooren

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(c) Pádraic Flood, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)

Otidea onotica, commonly known as hare's ear or donkey ear, is a species of apothecial fungus belonging to the family Pyronemataceae. The fruiting body appears from spring to early autumn as a deep cup split down one side and elongated at the other, up to 10 centimetres (4 inches) tall. It is yellow to orangish or slightly pinkish. White hairs cover the outside, while the inside is smooth or rippled. Similar species include Guepinia helvelloides, others of the genus Otidea, as well as some of Pezizaceae family. Otidea onotica occurs in Europe and North America, singly or in small groups on the soil of deciduous woodland, most often with beech trees. Although some have listed it as edible, according to one study it contains the toxin monomethylhydrazine.

Description

Otidea onotica is a mushroom fungus found in temperate regions.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The mushroom fruiting body is edible.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Russia,

Synonyms

Peziza onotica Pers.

References (3)

  • Boa, E. R., 2004, Wild edible fungi and their importance to people. FAO Non Wood Forest Products Booklet 17
  • Kaufmann, B. et al, 1999, The Great Encyclopedia of Mushrooms. Konemann. p 233
  • Pace, G., 1998, Mushrooms of the world. Firefly books. p 235 (As Peziza onotica)