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Apothecia are cup-shaped, typically 2-5 cm across, and bright orange on the inner surface. The outer surface is paler and slightly rough. They lack a stem and are attached directly to the substrate. The flesh is thin and brittle. It grows on disturbed soil, often in areas with little vegetation, and can be found in gardens, along paths, and in woodlands. It is considered non-toxic but is not typically eaten due to its small size and thin flesh.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Cup-shaped, bright orange inner surface, paler outer surface.
- Gills
- Absent (cup fungus)
- Stem
- Absent
- Flesh
- Thin and brittle.
- Fruiting body
- Cup-shaped apothecia, typically 2-5 cm across.
- Habitat
- Disturbed soil, gardens, paths, woodlands.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth inner surface, slightly rough outer surface
- Growth Form: Cup-shaped
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Orange
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: No bruising reaction
- Height: N/A (cup fungus)
- Cap Diameter: 2-5 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeNon-toxic, but not typically consumed.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Fruiting: Cup-shaped, bright orange
- Substrate: Disturbed soil
Where to Find
Soil
Disturbed soil areas such as gardens, paths, and woodlands.
Sparse Vegetation
Areas with sparse vegetation.
Finding Tips
Visual Search
Look for bright orange, cup-shaped fungi on bare soil.
Disturbed Areas
Check areas that have been recently disturbed, such as construction sites or gardens.
Similar Species
Scarlet Elf Cup
cup fungi
Also known as: Scarlet Elf Cup
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Pezizomycetes
- Order
- Pezizales
- Family
- Pyronemataceae
- Genus
- Aleuria
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Not typically cleaned as it is not usually consumed. If desired, gently brush off any soil or debris.
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