Neobulgaria pura - Beech Jellydisc

Taxonomy

Class: Leotiomycetes

Order: Helotiales

Family: Helotiaceae

Formerly-used synonyms of this jelly-like fungus include Bulgaria pura. Unlike Bulgaria inquinans, which sometimes fruits on dying branches of living trees, Neobulgaria pura is invariably found on fallen trunks and branches of broadleaf hardwood trees, and in particular Beech trees – hence the common name. The form shown here is properly cited as Neobulgaria pura var. pura; a more contorted form also occurs and it is referred to as Neobulgaria pura var. foliacea.

Despite the word 'Jelly' appearing in its common name and very well reflecting its texture, this is not one of the hererobasidiomycetes 'Jelly Fungi' which belong to the class Basidiomycota. Neobulgaria pura belongs to the Ascomycota, as also does its swarthy lookalike Bulgaria inquinans.

Identification guide

Description	Pinkish-ochre, gelatinous fruitbodies initially shaped like spinning tops but eventually distorting as they push up against one another in groups; becoming more cup-like. A brain-like form, Neobulgaria pura var. foliacea has a folded brain-like structure.
Dimensions	This species is quite variable in size. The individual cups is typically 0.4 to 1.5cm across and up to 8mm tall.
Spore print	White.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	On fallen broad-leaved trees, particularly Beech and oaks.
Season	Summer and autumn.
Occurrence	Fairly common.
Similar species	Bulgaria inquinans is similar in form but black or very dark brown.