Scarlet Elf Cup / Crveni peharček

Description:

The red color of the fruit bodies is due to five types of carotenoid pigments, including plectaniaxanthin and beta-carotene. Carotenoids are lipid-soluble and are stored within granules in the paraphyses. Cup 1–5cm across, cup-shaped, the margin becoming tattered as it expands, attached to substrate by a short stalk, inner surface bright scarlet, outer whitish and covered in white matted tufted hairs. The cup-shaped fruit bodies are usually produced during the cooler months of winter and early spring.

Habitat:

The fungus, widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, has been found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. The saprobic fungus grows on decaying sticks and branches in damp spots on forest floors, generally buried under leaf litter or in the soil. The saprobic fungus grows on decaying sticks and branches in damp spots on forest floors, generally buried under leaf litter or in the soil.

Notes:

The brilliant red interior of the cups—from which both the common and scientific names are derived— contrasts with the lighter-colored exterior. The edibility of the fruit bodies is not clearly established, but its small size, tough texture and insubstantial fruitings would dissuade most people from collecting for the table although in some books is listed as edible. The fungus has been used medicinally by the Oneida Indians, and also as a colorful component of table decorations in England. Please note that this is a protected fungus which can not be harvested and it is on the red list of protected mushrooms in Croatia.