Friday 19 March 2010

Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea)




Height up to 4cm
Width up to 5cm

This striking looking fungus with its bright red colour is almost impossible to miss. As its name suggests it is cup shaped, but tends to flatten with age.



The Scarlet Elf Cap is a saprophyte and grows on dead wood. The favoured growing conditions are damp areas and hence often grow in association with mosses.
This uncommon fungus is seen between the months of December to April.

The above text is copied from the internet. I was told about the whereabouts of this fungi by my father-in laws lady friend and took a quick look this morning. The picture was handheld and is not great but it is a striking fungi.

The fungi is directly off the board walk in Forge Valley. If you park in the Old Mans Mouth car park and cross the foot bridge, turn right and after a few yards you will see many examples of this vivid fungi.

I am now away until Sunday 28 March when I hope to have something to post. Have a good week.

4 comments:

Michael Flowers said...

I've always wanted to see one of those - very interesting

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Get yourself up to Forge Valley Michael, you will not be able to miss them for a few days yet. Seems to be plenty just coming through.
Mike

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Oh I like this fungi, really neat one! Maybe you would enjoy my Mushroom collection on my blog, if you have time. Last year was prime season for just about every variety imagineable~ Take care~

Chris said...

It's a very funny one! And for a hand held picture it's quite good!