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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Hi and hallo!
Recently taken photo of nice looking and rare mushroom called scarlet elf cup or the scarlet cup fungus (Sarcoscypha coccinea) PL: Czarka szkarlatna.
It was first time when I found this species, so little but very contrasting with the dark ground and green moss. Few of them was growing in small area near spring in alder forest on rotting alder wood.
Location: east from Olsztyn, Poland.
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Some species info taken from Wikipedia:
Sarcoscypha coccinea is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae. It grows on decaying branches in damp spots on forests floor and is usually found during cooler months, like winter and early spring.
Etymology
The specific epithet coccinea is derived from Latin word meaning deep red.
Description
Fruiting bodies are cup-shaped, and 2–5 centimetres (0.79–2.0 in) in diameter. The inner surface of the cup is deep red (fading to orange when dry) and smooth, while the outer surface is whitish has a layer of tiny hairs (a tomentum). The stipe, when present, is stout and up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long x 3-7 mm thick, and whitish, with a tomentum.
Edibility
Said to be edible, or inedible, depending on the author. Its insubstantial fruit body and low numbers does not make it particularly suitable for the table.
Habitat and distribution
S. coccinea is often found growing singly or clustered in groups on buried or partly buried sticks in deciduous forests. This species is associated with decaying woody material from various taxa: the Rosaceae, Fagus, Corylus, Salix, Ulmus and on Quercus in the Mediterranean.
In North America, S. coccinea has been collected from California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Mechanism of spore discharge
Three structural components are involved in spore discharge in S. coccinea: the operculum, the suboperculum, and the zone of dehiscence. Collectively, these three structures are known as the apical apparatus. The operculum — a cover or lid — measures 4.5–4.75 µm in diameter and 1.30–1.50 µm thick.
Bioactive compounds
The carotenoid pigments plectaniaxanthin and beta carotene are located within granules in the paraphyses.
A lectin with binding affinity for lactose, N-acetylactosamine, 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-gluco- and galactopyranosides has been purified and characterized from S. coccinea fruiting bodies.
Uses
Sarcoscypha coccinea was used as a medicinal plant by the Oneida Indians, possibly as an antibiotic.
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Picture was little cropped from original, taken with Raynox DCR-250 macro lens and CPL Filter, hand held - camera bag used as a tripod;).
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting,
Bye! |
Marx44, Seabird, LordPotty, CatherineD, Hormon_Manyer has marked this note useful
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