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 the landscape around us and the wonderful names such as Destroying Angel, Death Cap, Sulphur Tuft or Parrot Wax Cap. Although some of these names date back hundreds of years there has been an attempt in recent times to give far more species a common name which is perhaps a lot easier to remember than the scientific name. Related species are clumped together under group names such as Dapperlings, Bonnets, Mottle Gills, Milk Caps, Web Caps, Corals and Clubs, Cavaliers and Roundheads.

A great introduction to the subject can be had by joining a fungal foray in the autumn such as those run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and although most species are harmless you shouldn’t eat any specimens unless you are totally confident of the identity.

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