Pseudohydnum gelatinosum is my favourite fungi to encounter on a fall mushroom walk through the lower mainland’s cool, wet, coastal forests. While most other fungi reflect the earthy tones of an autumnal colour palette, Pseudohydnum gelatinosum is devoid of colour, translucent, filled with the soft light of cloudy skies filtered through hemlock needles. When dried, it is a less impressive specimen: a twisted, tanned skin of itself.

It is a jelly fungus, and, when fresh, has the texture and appearance of a lump of unflavoured gelatin. It invites you to touch it, the underside is wet velvet formed of innumerable, soft, spore-bearing teeth. One of its more evocative common names is the “cat’s tongue”. It is also known as the “toothed jelly fungus” or—as I learned from this project—the “great spirit gummy bear”. The specimen is a treasure, but the fresh fungus is a jewel for you to go out and discover: the silent tongues in the forest, the teeth that don’t bite, the mythical candy made of Vancouver rain.

Derek Tan, Digital Media Specialist at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.