Scarlet Elfcup
ExploreFungi
Scarlet Elfcup
sarcoscypha austriaca
The Scarlet Elfcup is a bright red mushroom that looks like a tiny cup! It's often found in damp, shady places, making it a fun find for nature explorers.
Habitat: Scarlet Elfcups live in moist, wooded areas, often on decaying leaves and logs.
Appearance
The Scarlet Elfcup has a vivid, cup-shaped fruiting body, typically 1-5 cm across, perched on decaying branches. Its inner surface is brilliant scarlet, while the outer surface is paler, often pinkish or whitish. This striking color helps it stand out on the dull forest floor.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassPezizomycetesOrderPezizalesFamilySarcoscyphaceaeGenusSarcoscypha
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even in chilly winter, these vibrant fungi bravely pop up on fallen logs.
Some people call them 'fairy cups' because of their magical, bright appearance!
Their dazzling red helps them absorb a little more warmth from the weak winter sun!
They look like tiny red cups left behind by woodland elves!
Special abilities
Ability
Nature's Recycler
Scarlet Elfcup can break down tough, dead wood because of special enzymes that help it recycle nutrients back into the forest soil.
Ability
Raindrop Spore Shooter
Scarlet Elfcup has a cup shape that helps collect raindrops, which then splash out its tiny spores, sending them far and wide.
Ability
Cold Weather Warrior
Scarlet Elfcup can thrive in chilly conditions because it grows in winter and early spring, bringing vibrant color when other fungi are scarce.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1-3 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 1-5 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Winter to early spring
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
depends on
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
decays fallen branches of beech trees
depends on
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus robur
breaks down dead oak wood in the forest
depends on
Sycamore Maple
Acer pseudoplatanus
recycles nutrients from decaying maple logs
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Elf Cup
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not touch or eat wild mushrooms without adult supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Scarlet Elfcup?
1-3 cm
Is Scarlet Elfcup edible?
edible
How big is Scarlet Elfcup?
1-5 cm
Where is Scarlet Elfcup usually found?
Scarlet Elfcups live in moist, wooded areas, often on decaying leaves and logs.
What does Scarlet Elfcup grow on?
wood
When is Scarlet Elfcup in season?
Winter to early spring
What color are Scarlet Elfcup spores?
White
Snap Map
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