Ruby Elf Cup

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Ruby elf cup.

Sarcoscyphaceae distribution taxonomic history etymology identification culinary notes reference sources. The edge of the cup in the scarlet elf cup has a comb tooth like surface whereas the ruby elf cup has a unevenly thick ridged edge which is more complete than the edge of a scarlet elf cup specimen. Sarcocypha coccinea and sarcoscypha austriaca. It is also more orange than red and does look remarkably like orange peel so much so that some mycologists have been known to.

Both of them are generally reckoned to be edible and their vivid red colour serves to distinguish them from anything else. As its name suggests the ruby elfcup is a bright red cup shaped fungus. Small bright red cups with short stems appear in late winter and spring on twigs and branches. Coccinea has been known by many names.

Scarlet elf cup identification edibility distribution march 2 2013. Sarcoscypha coccinea commonly known as the scarlet elf cup scarlet elf cap or the scarlet cup is a species of fungus in the family sarcoscyphaceae of the order pezizales the fungus widely distributed in the northern hemisphere has been found in africa asia europe north and south america and australia the type species of the genus sarcoscypha s. The scarlet elf cup has slightly curved or straight microscopic hairs on the outside of the cup whereas the ruby elf cup has curly or coiled hairs. Scarlet elf cup sarcoscypha coccinea is virtually indistinguishable from the similar ruby elf cup sarcoscypha austriaca without microscopy.

The cap has microscopic tubes called asci that release the spores from the upper cup of the mushroom. Thank you for information on scarlet elf cup fungi out walking today in a woodland area. Indeed the edibility of scarlet elf cups is disputed. It is widespread but scarce and can be found on fallen twigs and branches particularly in areas with higher rainfall.

The scarlet elfcup is very similar in appearance to the ruby elfcup sarcoscypha coccinea although the latter is slightly smaller and deeper red in comparison. Sarcoscypha coccinea the ruby elfcup in common with the macroscopically almost identical scarlet elfcup sarcoscypha austriaca appears in winter on dead twigs. Orange peel fungus grows in a different habitat mainly being found on bare soil or amongst grass in lawns or at roadsides. More common in areas of higher rainfall.

Very similar in appearance to the scarlet elf cup sarcosypha austriaca. This fungus is uncommon in the uk though reasonably widespread. They are virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye.