Content
Sarcoscipha austriaca is known by several names: Lachnea austriaca, Red Elf Cup, Peziza austriaca. In Russia, this exotic type of mushroom is found in old clearings of mixed forests; its distribution is not widespread. The marsupial fungus belongs to the Sarcoscyphaceae family, its main distribution area is Australia, Asia, Europe, and America.
What does Sarcoscipha Austrian look like?
Sarcoscipha austria is bright red in color, but this is the only species in which albino forms are found. Some enzymes responsible for color may be missing. The fruiting bodies are white, yellow or orange. Interesting fact: mushrooms with signs of albinism and brightly colored ones can develop in one place.There is no consensus among mycologists about the reasons for the color change.
Description of the fruiting body
At the initial stage of development, the fruiting body is formed in the form of a bowl with concave light edges. With age, the cap unfolds and takes on an irregular disk or saucer shape.
Characteristics of Austrian Sarcoscipha:
- diameter of the fruiting body – 3-8 cm;
- the inside is bright crimson or scarlet, in older specimens it is pale red;
- in young representatives the surface is smooth, even, in old representatives it looks corrugated in the center;
- the lower part is light orange or white, with small edges, the fibers are light, transparent, spiral-shaped.
The pulp is thin, fragile, light beige, with a fruity odor and a faint mushroom taste.
Description of the leg
In a young Austrian Sarcoscipha, the leg can be determined by removing the top layer of leaf litter. It is short, medium thickness, solid. The color matches the outer part of the fruiting body.
In adult specimens it is poorly determined. If the saprophyte grows on bare wood, the stem is in a state of rudiment.
Where and how does it grow
Sarcoscypha austria forms small groups on the rotting remains of trees. They can be found on stumps, branches or perennial dead wood. Sometimes the species settles on wood immersed in the ground and covered with a layer of rotten leaves. The Elf Bowl appears to be growing out of the ground. Woody remains are the main place of growth; preference is given to maple, alder, and willow. It settles less frequently on oak trees; coniferous species are not suitable for vegetation. Rarely, a small accumulation may be seen on root rot or moss.
The first families of Austrian Sarcoscypha appear in early spring, immediately after the snow melts, in open clearings, the sides of forest paths, and less often in parks. Sarcoscipha is a kind of indicator of the ecological state of the area. The species does not grow in a gassy or smoky area. The Elf Bowl is not found near industrial enterprises, highways, or city landfills.
Austrian Sarcoscifa can only grow in temperate climates. The first wave of fruiting occurs in the spring, the second in late autumn (until December). Some specimens go under the snow. In Russia, the Elf Cup is distributed in the European part, the main area is Karelia.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Austrian Sarcoscipha is a species without a distinct taste or smell, which is classified as edible. The texture of the small mushroom is dense, but not rubbery. Young specimens are processed without prior boiling. It is better to heat-treat mature fruiting bodies before cooking; they will become softer. There are no toxic compounds in the chemical composition, so the Elf Bowl is absolutely safe. Suitable for any processing method.
After freezing, the taste becomes more pronounced. Fruit bodies are used for pickling and included in assorted dishes. Winter preparation with red mushrooms looks unusual; the taste of sarcoscipha is not inferior to species with a higher nutritional value.
Doubles and their differences
The following varieties are externally similar to the Austrian:
- Sarcoscipha scarlet. You can distinguish them by the shape of the villi on the outside of the fruiting body; they are smaller and without bends. The mushrooms do not differ in taste; both types are edible.Their fruiting bodies are formed simultaneously: in spring and autumn. The double is thermophilic, therefore it is found in the southern regions.
- The twins include Sarcoscypha occidentalis. The mushroom does not grow in Russia, it is common in the Caribbean islands, in the central part of America, and is less common in Asia. The fruiting body has a smaller cap (no more than 2 cm in diameter), as well as a clearly defined long thin stalk (3-4 cm). The mushroom is edible.
- The Sarcoscipha saprophyte Dudley is difficult to distinguish outwardly from the Elf Cup. The mushroom is found in Central America. The fruit body is bright crimson in color, formed in the form of a shallow bowl with uneven edges. More often it grows singly on moss or leaf litter covering the rotted remains of the linden tree. Fruiting occurs only in spring; the mushroom does not grow in autumn. The taste, smell and nutritional value are no different from the Elf Cup.
Conclusion
Sarcoscipha Austrian is a saprophytic mushroom with an unusual structure and scarlet color. It grows in the temperate climate of the European part, bears fruit in early spring and late autumn. It has a mild odor and taste, is universal in processing, and does not contain toxins.
