'Yellow Brain' - a myco-parasite to look out for in May

The 'Fungus of the Month' for May is Tremella mesenterica or Yellow Brain (no need to explain where this name comes from!). It is often seen from quite a distance on the woody stems of gorse bushes. The fungus actually parasitises another fungus that grows on the host plant, rather than the plant itself! There is a potential look-alike, but most specimens can be confidently identified in the field and you have a good chance of spotting it all around Scotland. Find out more in the full species profile.

As usual, please keep an eye out for this fungus and then either let us know you've found it or submit the record to your local fungus group.