Species details
Yellow-milking cup
Paragalactinia succosa
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: Sava Krstic (sava) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A grey-brown cup fungus that releases a distinct yellow latex-like liquid when damaged and yellows when cut.
Identification features
Fruitbody about 0.5–5 cm wide, initially deeply cup-shaped and later irregularly expanded, yellow to grey-brown. When cut or broken, the flesh yellows and releases a yellowish liquid that becomes brighter yellow in air.
Identification checklist
The key feature is the yellow liquid released from damaged flesh together with the grey-brown cup shape.
How to separate similar species
Paragalactinia michelii is smaller and may be slightly violet, but also releases yellow liquid. Reliable separation of cup fungi often requires microscopy.
Habitat
Grows in summer and autumn in deciduous woodland beside paths, especially on very clay-rich soils, singly or in groups.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October
Similar species
- Paragalactinia michelii
- Bay cup (Legaliana badia)
- Peziza species