Pattern of jelly rot fungus (Phlebia tremellosa, Merulius ...

The image presents a close-up view of a decaying oak log infested with jelly rot fungus (Phlebia tremellosa, Merulius tremellosus). The fungus exhibits a distinctive pattern characterized by its translucent, jelly-like appearance and intricate branching structure.

**Key Features:**

* **Fungus Appearance:** The fungus has a delicate, web-like texture that resembles coral or brain tissue. Its pale coloration allows for the underlying wood grain to be visible through it.
* **Branching Structure:** The fungus displays an intricate branching pattern, with numerous thin tendrils radiating outward from the main body of the fungus.
* **Growth Pattern:** The fungus appears to have grown in a relatively even layer across the surface of the log, with no apparent signs of clumping or bunching.
* **Wood Grain Visibility:** Despite being covered by the fungus, the underlying wood grain is still visible through the translucent tissue.

**Context:**

The image was taken on November 22, 2018, in Lick Creek Park, College Station, Texas. The presence of jelly rot fungus on a rotten oak log suggests that the log has been decomposing for some time and provides an ideal environment for this type of fungus to grow. – AI vision