Jew's-ear is a type of fungus that is also known as wood ear, jelly ear, or black fungus. It is derived from the Latin word "Auricula Judae," which means the ear of Judas. The fungus was believed to have grown on the tree where Judas Iscariot hanged himself. However, the name Jew's-ear is now considered offensive because it perpetuates negative stereotypes of Jewish people. Therefore, alternative names have been suggested, including wood ear, which refers to the fungus's growth on trees and jelly ear, describing the fungus's gelatinous texture. Another alternative name is black fungus, which is descriptive of its dark color.
