Velvety and a little disconcerting, at first sight the fungi is cup-shaped, developing lobes that make them look uncannily like human ears. Tan-brown and velvety on the outside, with a wrinkled, shiny inner surface. Individual lobes can grow to between 3 and 10cm across. They feel quite rubbery to touch. Jelly ear is fairly common in the UK. It is usually found in clusters, drooping from dead and dying branches, mainly of elder but sometimes on other types of hardwood, particularly beech, sycamore and ash. It likes damp, shady conditions and its fruiting season is year-round on the Barff.