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Sarcoscypha coccinea, commonly known as the scarlet elf cup,[1] or the scarlet cup fungus,[2] is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae. Common over much of the northern hemisphere, it grows on decaying branches in damp spots on forests floor and is usually found during cooler months, like winter and early spring.[2]
[edit] EtymologyThe specific epithet coccinea is derived from Latin word meaning deep red. [edit] DescriptionFruiting bodies are cup-shaped, and 2–5 centimetres (0.79–2.0 in) in diameter.[2] The inner surface of the cup is deep red (fading to orange when dry) and smooth, while the outer surface is whitish has a layer of tiny hairs (a tomentum). The stipe, when present, is stout and up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long by 3-7 mm thick, and whitish, with a tomentum.[2] Ascospores are 26–40 x 10–12 µm, elliptical in shape, smooth, hyaline, and have small lipid droplets concentrated at either end.[3] While in most of the Pezizales all of the ascospores are formed simultaneously through delimitation by an inner and outer membrane, in S. coccinea the ascospores located in the basal parts of the ascus develop faster.[4] Similar species include S. dudleyi, S. austriaca, and in the literature, confusion amongst the three is commonplace.[5] Examination of microscopic features is often required to definitively differentiate between the species. The anamorph of S. coccinea is Molliardiomyces eucoccinea Harrington.[5]  [edit] EdibilityThe species is said to be edible,[2] or inedible,[6] depending on the author. Its insubstantial fruit body and low numbers does not make it particularly suitable for the table. [edit] Habitat and distributionSarcoscypha coccinea is often found growing singly or clustered in groups on buried or partly buried sticks in deciduous forests.[7][1] This species is associated with decaying woody material from various taxa: the Rosaceae, Fagus, Corylus, Salix, Ulmus and on Quercus in the Mediterranean.[8] In North America, S. coccinea has been collected from California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.[5] [edit] Mechanism of spore dischargeThree structural components are involved in spore discharge in S. coccinea: the operculum, the suboperculum, and the zone of dehiscence. Collectively, these three structures are known as the apical apparatus.[9] The operculum—a cover or lid—measures 4.5–4.75 µm in diameter and 1.30–1.50 µm thick.[9] [edit] Bioactive compoundsThe carotenoid pigments plectaniaxanthin and beta carotene are located within granules in the paraphyses.[10] A lectin with binding affinity for lactose, N-acetylactosamine, 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-gluco- and galactopyranosides has been purified and characterized from S. coccinea fruiting bodies.[11] [edit] UsesSarcoscypha coccinea was used as a medicinal plant by the Oneida Indians, possibly as an antibiotic.[1] [edit] References
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