Identification and ecology
A white translucent gelatinous lobed body — a parasite on other wood-decay fungi rather than wood itself. Wild in subtropics; mostly cultivated.
Edibility and use
Edible — bland, prized for texture; traditional in Chinese sweet soups (tremella soup with jujubes). Cosmetic polysaccharide extracts are a major commercial use.
Research status
Polysaccharide studies (moisture retention, immune markers) are mostly in vitro and animal work — promising ingredient, not a therapy.
In practice
- The dried product rehydrates to a white cloud; cook in soups and desserts.