White-cup Fungi

Description

Peziza repanda is a widely distributed and relatively common ascomycete fungus belonging to the family Pezizaceae. It is characterized by its cup-shaped to flattened fruiting bodies, typically found on decaying wood or wood debris. While not considered toxic, its edibility is questionable due to its thin, brittle flesh and lack of distinctive flavor, generally rendering it of no culinary interest.

How to Identify

Cap

The term 'cap' is not strictly applicable as it's a cup fungus (apothecium). The apothecium diameter ranges from 2 cm to 10 cm, occasionally up to 15 cm. It evolves from a goblet-like structure to a flat or wavy disc.

Gills

As an ascomycete cup fungus, Peziza repanda does not possess gills.

Stem

A true stem is absent; the fruiting body is sessile or sub-sessile, attached directly to the substrate or by a very short, stout base that may appear as a rudimentary stipe.

Flesh

The flesh is thin, brittle, and rather watery, typically whitish or pale, without a distinctive odor or taste.

Fruiting body

The fruiting body (apothecium) starts as a goblet-shaped cup, gradually expanding to become cup-shaped, then saucer-shaped, and eventually flat or broadly undulate (repand) with an often wavy margin. It lacks a true stem, or has a very rudimentary, almost invisible one. The inner surface (hymenium) is smooth, typically whitish to pale grayish-brown, buff, or even yellowish cream, sometimes darkening with age to a brownish hue. The outer surface is often paler, sometimes almost white, with a minutely granular or scurfy texture, and often has brown staining at the point of attachment or where it touches the substrate. The margin can be entire or subtly wavy.

Habitat

Saprobic, typically growing directly on decaying deciduous or coniferous wood, wood chips, sawdust, or other woody debris. It can also be found on soil enriched with organic matter, particularly near rotting wood. Often found scattered or in groups.

Key Facts

• Cap surfaces: Inner surface (hymenium) smooth, whitish to pale grey-brown; outer surface minutely granular/scurfy, often paler.
• Growth Form: Cup-shaped to flattened discoid, often gregarious or scattered.
• Spore Print: White
• Body color: Whitish, buff, pale grey-brown, or yellowish cream on the inside; paler to whitish-brown on the outside.
• Odor: Indistinct or faintly earthy.
• Flesh bruises: Does not bruise distinctly.
• Height: Rarely exceeding 3 cm from substrate due to sessile nature.
• Cap Diameter: 2 cm to 10 cm, occasionally up to 15 cm.
• Nutrient gathering: Saprobic (decomposer)

Quick Check

• Odor: Indistinct
• Fruiting: Spring to autumn (year-round in mild climates)
• Substrate: Decaying wood, wood chips, woody debris, or soil enriched with organic matter

Where to Find

Finding Tips

Similar Species

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Pezizomycetes

Order

Pezizales

Family

Pezizaceae

Genus

Peziza

Storage Information

• Max Temperature: N/A
• Freezing duration: N/A
• Min Temperature: N/A
• Refrigeration: N/A

How to Clean

Since Peziza repanda is not considered an edible mushroom, cleaning instructions are generally irrelevant. If handled for observation, gently brush off any debris. Avoid washing, as its thin flesh can become waterlogged and disintegrate.

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