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Red elf cup fungus growing among moss and dead leaves, the Wildlife Trusts

© Chris Lawrence

Ruby elfcup

Scientific name: Sarcoscypha coccinea
As its name suggests, the ruby elfcup is a bright red, cup-shaped fungus. It is widespread, but scarce, and can be found on fallen twigs and branches, particularly in areas with higher rainfall.

Species information

Statistics

Cup diameter: 1.5-5cm
Stem height: 1-2cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

November to March

About

The ruby elfcup displays bright red cups with short stems. It can be seen in late winter and early spring on fallen twigs and branches (often Hazel), usually buried under moss. It is uncommon in the UK, although reasonably widespread. It is mostly found in areas with high rainfall. Fungi belong to their own kingdom and get their nutrients and energy from organic matter, rather than photosynthesis like plants. It is often just the fruiting bodies, or 'mushrooms', that are visible to us, arising from an unseen network of tiny filaments called 'hyphae'. These fruiting bodies produce spores for reproduction, although fungi can also reproduce asexually by fragmentation.

How to identify

The ruby elfcup has rounded, regular-shaped fruiting bodies that look like cups; they have a bright red and smooth inner surface. The outer surface is whitish and covered in tiny hairs. The cup has a very short stem.

Distribution

Widespread, but scarce.

Habitats

Did you know?

The ruby elfcup is very similar in appearance to the scarlet elfcup (Sarcoscypha austriaca). There's no physical difference. You can only tell them apart by microscopy (tiny fine hairs are the difference).

How people can help

Fungi play an important role within our ecosystems, helping to recycle nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter, and providing food and shelter for different animals. Our gardens are also a vital resource for wildlife, providing corridors of green space between open countryside. Try leaving log piles and dead wood to help fungi and the wildlife that depends on it.