Tremella fuciformis is a species of fungus commonly known as snow fungus, snow ear, silver ear fungus, white jelly mushroom, and white cloud ears.
Taxonomy
thumb|Eunibeoseot (, "silver ear mushroom")
Tremella fuciformis was first described in 1856 by English mycologist Miles Joseph Berkeley, based on collections made in Brazil by botanist and explorer Richard Spruce.
Distribution and habitat
Tremella fuciformis is known to be a parasite of Hypoxylon, a genus of woodrot pathogens sometimes call "cramp balls". including its preferred host, A. archeri,
Uses
thumb|A drink with Tremella fuciformis and [[Edible bird's nest|bird's nest]]
Tremella fuciformis has been cultivated in China since at least the nineteenth century.
Cosmetics
T. fuciformis extract is used in women's beauty products from China, Korea, and Japan. The fungus reportedly increases moisture retention in the skin and prevents senile degradation of micro-blood vessels in the skin, reducing wrinkles and smoothing fine lines. Other anti-aging effects come from increasing the presence of superoxide dismutase in the brain and liver; it is an enzyme that acts as a potent antioxidant throughout the body, particularly in the skin. It can also be used for anti-inflammatory purposes. The medical benefits that come from this organism are vast, ranging from boosting immune health to lowering heart disease. T. fuciformis is also known in Chinese medicine for nourishing the lungs, and increasing the body's yin energy.