Jew's ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae complex) on ...

The image depicts two large Jew's ear mushrooms (Auricularia auricula-judae complex) growing on a fallen oak tree trunk near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest.

**Mushroom Description**

* The mushrooms are dark red-brown, with the right mushroom being slightly larger than the left.
* Both mushrooms have an almost velvety appearance due to their thick, fleshy texture.

**Background**

* The fallen oak tree trunk is covered in green moss and pine cones.
* In the background, other trees can be seen in the distance.

**Context**

* The image was taken on March 1st, 2019, indicating that it is likely spring or early summer.
* The location of the mushrooms suggests a temperate forest ecosystem with deciduous trees such as oak. – AI vision