Species details
Purple jellydisc
Ascocoryne sarcoides
Inedible
Photo: garmonb0zia · CC0 · Photo source · License
Description
A small pink-purple gelatinous cup fungus growing in groups on decaying hardwood.
Identification features
Fruitbodies are usually 0.5–1.5 cm wide, violet to purplish-brown, initially depressed, later flattened and wavy; the stalk is very short or absent.
Identification checklist
Check for small violet gelatinous cups growing in groups on decaying wood.
How to separate similar species
Ascocoryne cylichnium is very similar; reliable separation may require microscopy.
Habitat
Grows on decaying hardwood mainly in autumn and winter.
Fruiting period
September, October, November, December, January
Similar species
- Purple jelly drops (Ascocoryne cylichnium)
- Tremella species
- Exidia species