Sarcoscypha occidentalis

Scientific name:  Sarcoscypha occidentalis (Schwein.)
Sacc.
Derivation of nameSarc- means flesh and scypha
means "cup."Occidental- means "western" which
apparently indicates its wide distribution in the western
hemisphere.
Synonyms: Peziza occidentalis Schwein., Geopyxis
occidentalis
(Schwein.) Morgan   
Common name(s):  Stalked scarlet cup
Phylum:   Ascomycota
Order:   Pezizales
Family:   Sarcoscyphaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate:  Saprobic; solitary or
clustered on fallen deciduous wood, especially in wet
places; spring through summer.  
Dimensions:  Cups 0.5-2 cm wide; stalks up to 3.5 cm
long, smooth, whitish or tinged pinkish-red.   
Sterile outer surface:  Whitish or tinged pinkish-red,
smooth.        
Fertile inner surface:  Scarlet; smooth. 
Edibility: Of no value
Comments: A beautiful and readily recognized fungus.
It is similar to S. austriaca but has smaller cups and
long, slender stalks.

More information at MushroomExpert.com: 
More information at TomVolkFungi.net:  


Figure 1. Typical stalked specimens of Sarcoscypha
occidentalis
. Photo © Pam Kaminski.


Figure 2. Discernible stipe and cup portions on young
specimens. Photo © Gary Emberger.


Figure 3. Note how long the stipe can be relative to the cup.
Photo © Gary Emberger.


Figure 4. Specimens with shorter stipes.
Photo © William Roody.

 

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This page © 2008 by Gary Emberger, Messiah University