Scarlet Cup
by Nikolyn McDonald
Title
Scarlet Cup
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
Scarlet cup fungus (Sarcoscypha coccinea) is apparently relatively common in Fontenelle Forest, a nature preserve on the Missouri River in Bellevue, Nebraska. I spotted this small one quite close to the boardwalk - thought at first it was a tiny bit of litter it was so bright! It grows on decaying branches, loves the damp, and usually grows in winter and early spring. This showy fungus is also commonly called the scarlet elf cup or cap. It occurs widely in the Northern Hemisphere though since it is often buried under dead and decaying leaves or in the soil, you might not notice it. The interior of the cups is more richly and brightly colored than the exterior.
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Uploaded
January 31st, 2017
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