How to identify Orange Cup Fungus

To correctly identify Orange Cup Fungus (Aleuria aurantia), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Cup-shaped, bright orange inner surface, paler outer surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent (cup fungus)

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and brittle.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Cup-shaped apothecia, typically 2-5 cm across.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (cup fungus)
• Stem shape: N/A (no stem)
• Stem surface: N/A (no stem)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (no stem)

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