Scarlet elf cup; Peziza escarlata

Description:

Fungus of the order Pezizales. It can be confused with S. occidentalis and S. austriaca. Microscopy is needed for complete characterization. It is a saprobic fungus that grows on decaying sticks and branches in damp spots on forest floors, generally buried under leaf litter or in the soil. The brilliant red interior of the cups—from which both the common and scientific names are derived—contrasts with the lighter-colored exterior. Initially spherical, the fruit bodies are later shallowly 2–5 cm in diameter saucer- or cup-shaped with rolled-in rims. The inner surface of the cup is deep red (fading to orange when dry) and smooth, while the outer surface is whitish and covered with a dense matted layer of tiny hairs (a tomentum). The stipe, when present, is stout and up to 4 cm long and whitish, with a tomentum. It presents an anamorphic or imperfect fungi (those that seem to lack a sexual stage in their life cycle, and typically reproduce by the process of mitosis in structures called conidia) known as Molliardiomyces eucoccinea.

Habitat:

Spotted on decaying wood and roots. Mediterranean forest with cork oak, Helm oak, Strawberry tree and wild olive trees. Parque Nacional de Monfragüe

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/60 sec.; f/36; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 90.0 mm. Flash fired