Scarlet Sarcoscypha (Sarcoscypha coccinea)
Systematics:- Department: Ascomycota (Ascomycetes)
- Subdivision: Pezizomycotina (Pesizomycotins)
- Class: Pezizomycetes (Pecicomycetes)
- Subclass: Pezizomycetidae (Pecicomycetes)
- Order: Pezizales
- Family: Sarcoscyphaceae
- Genus: Sarcoscypha (Sarcoscifa)
- Species: Sarcoscypha coccinea (Sarcoscif alai)
Synonyms :
Sarcoscifa bright red
- Sarcoscifa cinnabar red
- Pecica red
- Scarlet elven bowl
The scarlet sarcoscifa , the scarlet elf bowl , or simply the scarlet bowl (Latin Sarcoscypha coccinea ) is a species of marsupial mushrooms of the genus Sarcoscifa of the Sarcoscif family. The fungus is found all over the world: in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America and Australia.
It is a saprophytic fungus that grows on decaying trunks and branches of trees, usually covered with a layer of foliage or soil. Cup-shaped ascocarp (fruit body of ascomycetes) appears in the cooler months: in winter or early spring. The bright red color of the inner surface of the fruiting body gave its name to the species and is in contrast to the lighter outer part of the fungus.
The leg is 1-3 cm high, up to 0.5 cm thick, whitish. The taste and smell are poorly expressed. It occurs in groups in early spring (sometimes in February), after the snow melts, on dry twigs, buried wood and other plant debris.
Sarkoscifa is a kind of ecological indicator. It is noted that it does not occur near large industrial cities and highways with heavy traffic.
It has a small size, firm pulp. Sarcoscifa bright red is not only very beautiful, but also an edible mushroom with a delicate mushroom aroma. The taste is pleasant. It is used fried stewed and pickled.
Edibility
In most guides on mushroom growing, it is written that the scarlet sarcoscifa belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. The fungus is not poisonous, and this means that it is unlikely that it will be possible to get serious poisoning when eating the described species. However, the mushroom pulp is very tough, and the appearance of Scarlet Sarkoscifa is not very appetizing.
In folk medicine, it is believed that a powder made from dried sarcoscifa helps stop blood.
In Europe, it has become fashionable to make and sell baskets with compositions using the fruit bodies of the sarcoscifa.
Similar species
The Austrian Sarcoscypha (Sarcoscypha austriaca) is considered a more northern species, while the scarlet is found in the southern regions.