Ruby Elf Cup Fungus

Ruby Elf Cup fungus is a small fungus seen as a bright spot on the woodland floor! Whereas we generally notice fungi producing their fruiting bodies in the autumn this species is very much a winter specialist. It grows on twigs in damp woodland, singly or in small groups, attached by a short stem and although uncommon it is present in many Norfolk woodlands – this one in Wayland Wood. It is easy to identify as either a Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austrica) or a Ruby Elf Cup (S.coccinea). Although small hairs on the outside of the cup, visible with an eye glass can give a clue, it really needs microscopic examination of the spores to be sure. They are classed as Ascomycetes and quite different to the stem, cap and gills structure we know in the edible mushrooms we buy at the greengrocer or supermarket. Many new species of fungi are still being discovered. Mycologists debate identification and classification changes over time but we can all marvel at the huge variety to be found in...