| Actual Image
Scarlet Elfcup (2)
cedryk
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 966 W: 52 N: 1694]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (5184) | What a magical name is "Scarlet Elfcup". I'm not sure what kind of elves use it, but surely there are numerous as many such cups I saw that day.
Sarcoscypha austriaca - Scarlet Elfcup
Family: Sarcoscyphaceae
Order: Pezizales
Class: Pezizomycetes
Subdivision: Pezizomycotina
Division: Ascomycota
Kingdom: Fungi
The fruiting bodies are cup-shaped, and 2–5 centimetres in diameter. The inner surface of the cup is deep red and smooth, with the outer surface whitish covered with tiny hairs.
Among 13 species ascribed to genus Sarcoscypha, there are four very similar occuring in Europe and in North America (Sarcoschypa austriaca, S. coccinea, S. dudleyi, S. jurana ). They differ only by some microscopic details.
In Poland only the first two can be found. S. austriaca is typical for montane and submontane forest, particularly in wet places, close to the water. This species grows in early spring on Alnus incana (grey alder), Salix (willow), Acer (maple) and Robinia; in contrary S. cocinea grows early spring and late fall on other trees: Fagus, Ulmus, Corylus, Salix, Querscus, various Rosaceae. Both species are not edible and under strict protection.
I have found this species in grey alder woods along a mountain stream in the Bieszczady National Park, during a short but very nice photo-trip with my work colleague and friend Krzysiek (cataclysta).
Please look also on picture showing a younger individual of S. austriaca. |
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