Tremellochaete novozealandica
(Lloyd) J.A. Cooper 2023
Description:
This is a thin, gelatinous, resupinate fungus forming soft, spreading patches on well‑decayed wood. Fresh fruitbodies are pale cream to translucent, with a smooth to slightly uneven surface and a distinctly jelly‑like texture. As they dry, they become firmer, more opaque, and may shrink slightly from the substrate. The species grows closely adherent to the wood, often forming irregular patches that merge into larger colonies. It is most easily found during wet periods in damp forest habitats, where the gelatinous texture is most pronounced.

Basidiome: thin, effused, gelatinous; forming patches 10–50 mm across; pale cream, whitish, or translucent when fresh.
Surface: smooth or faintly uneven; moist and jelly‑like; becomes firmer and duller when dry.
Margin: diffuse, thinning gradually into the wood; edges often difficult to see.
Context: soft, gelatinous; easily damaged; dries to a thin, rubbery film.
Odour/taste: none distinctive.

Common name: None.
Habitat: Native forest, unrban gardens.
Substrate: saprotrophic on well‑rotted wood.
Distribution: New Zealand wide.
Season: Autum.
Biostatus: Endemic.
Edible: No.
Spore print: White.
Macro images:
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Scale bar
Scale= 10 mm.
 
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Scale bar
Scale= 10 mm.
 
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Scale bar
Scale= 10 mm.
 
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Scale bar
Scale= 10 mm.
 
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Scale bar
Scale= 10 mm.
 
ExiTremellochaete novozealandica
Scale bar
Scale= 10 mm.
 
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Magnification = 1000x
 
Tremellochaete novozealandica
Magnification = 1000x
 
The Hidden Forest
Forest Fungi