Auricularia is a genus of jelly fungi in the family Auriculariaceae. There are about eight species described in this genus, which has a widespread distribution.[2] Preliminary phylogenetic studies suggest the Exidiaceae is closely related to Auriculariaceae, the two share many morphological traits.[3] Fruitbody either resupinate or pileate and then either ear-to shell-shaped or forming narrow, imbricate brackets, flabby elastic or tough gelatinous; hymenial surface smooth, wrinkled or veined, often purplish. Basidia cylindrical, with 1-3 transeverse septa. Spores narrowly ellipsoid to allantoid, hyaline, smooth.[3] Most Auricularia species are edible and are grown commercially. Auricularia species are widely distributed in the Western Ghats, Kerala and recently, Auricularia auricula-judae, A. polytricha and A. mesenterica have been reported.[3]