Species details
Scarlet elfcup
Sarcoscypha austriaca
Extra caution required
Photo: Holleday · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A bright red cup-shaped spring fungus with a pale outer surface, growing on dead twigs.
Identification features
The inner cup is smooth and red, while the outer surface is paler and finely hairy. Reliable separation from related elfcups often requires microscopy.
Habitat
On dead, partly buried hardwood twigs in damp woodland and beside streams.
Fruiting period
January, February, March, April, May
Similar species
- Sarcoscypha coccinea
- Sarcoscypha jurana