Tree fungus

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Please can anyone help to ID this tree fungus? It has just been spotted growing on a friend's apple tree. We've been looking at photos and think it may be an "ear"fungus. One site says that not all ear fungi are harmful as not all are parasitic. Looking for advice on what it is and whether we should do anything. The tree is a Bramley and is old but produces good fruit. Thank you.

[Chuckles]

It looks so familiar WD but I've not a clue which fungi it is I'm afraid Hope someone can help you

[oldmoleskins]

There is a group of fungi called, wait for it, 'jelly fungus' - and this certainly looks jellyish. Is that yellowed area to the left rotten wood? With the mossiness and that, I'd guess it's a venerable tree, and old trees have their collection of imperfections, but couldn't say if this is a sign of something troublesome...

OM

[Deleted]

Well thanks anyway. Yes, it is jelly-like and yes, venerable is a good word for the tree. It's a Bramley with Epicure grafted on, by my friend, years ago.

I'm still hopeful that some fruit tree expert will suggest either treat or leave...

[Tig]

I have the same problem on my old Bramley wintersday - it has this growing around a dead branch-end which was sawn off some years ago. The fungus dries out somewhat in summer, but returns each autumn. I do scrape it off with a piece of plastic, but it regrows. It has been on the tree for about three years now, doesn't seem to affect the healthy wood, nor has the crop been affected so far, in fact this year was a bumper harvest. I suppose you could use an anti-fungicide wash on it over winter I'm not a fruit tree expert though!

x Tig

[Deleted]

Oh thanks. That's reassuring. I'll pass on all these comments and my friend will be very grateful. Thanks all of you for your time.