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Sarkoscifa scarlet, cinnabar red or bright red, red petsica or scarlet elf bowl is a marsupial mushroom that belongs to the Sarkoscif family. This species is distinguished by an unusual shape of the structure of the fruiting body, reminiscent of a small scarlet cup. This mushroom looks especially original when it grows not on the remains of decaying wood, but in green moss. In official reference books, it is referred to as Sarcoscypha coccinea.
What does sarkoscif alai look like?
The upper part has a goblet shape, which smoothly turns into a short stem. Sometimes you can find specimens in which the edges of the cap are slightly bent inward. The outer surface is velvety matte pink. The inner side is a deep scarlet color, smooth to the touch. This creates a special contrast with the outside and attracts the eye. The diameter of the cap is 1.5-5 cm. When ripe, it straightens, its edges become light, uneven. And the color inside the cup changes from scarlet to orange.
When broken, you can see the fleshy pulp of a bright red color with a weak mushroom aroma.
The scarlet sarcoscifa has a small foot. Its length does not exceed 1-3 cm, and its thickness is 0.5 cm. Often, the leg is completely immersed in the substrate or forest floor, so it seems that it does not exist at all. The surface is white, the flesh is dense without voids.
The hymenophore of the scarlet sarcoscifa is located on the outside of the cap. It has a pale pink or white hue. The spores are elliptical, 25-37 x 9.5-15 microns in size.
Sarkoscifa scarlet grows especially in ecologically clean places, therefore it is a natural indicator of the state of the environment
Where and how it grows
Sarkoscifa scarlet grows in small families in temperate regions. It is widespread in Africa, America and Eurasia. The fungus appears in late winter or early spring, depending on the region and weather conditions. The fruiting process ends in May.
Main habitats:
- deadwood;
- semi-rotten wood;
- litter of fallen leaves;
- moss.
In Russia, the sarkoscifa scarlet is found in the European part and Karelia.
Is the mushroom edible or not
This species belongs to the edible category, but the taste of the scarlet sarcoscith is low, therefore it is referred to the fourth class. The pulp is characterized by increased rigidity, therefore, before cooking, it is necessary to pre-boil for 10 minutes, followed by draining the water.
Scarlet sarkoscifa can be pickled, stewed and fried. It is not recommended to use it fresh.
Doubles and their differences
This species is in many ways similar to the Austrian sarcosciphus, which belongs to the same family. The top of the double is bowl-shaped. Its inner surface is bright red, smooth to the touch.But in mature specimens, it becomes wrinkled, especially in the center of the cap.
The reverse side of the upper part is pubescent, characterized by a light pink or orange tint. The hairs are small, translucent, rounded at the top. It is almost impossible to see them with the naked eye.
This species grows in small groups, distributed in northern Europe and the eastern United States. The mushroom is considered edible, but requires pre-boiling for 10 minutes. The official name is Sarcoscypha austriaca.
Sometimes in nature you can find albino species of the Austrian sarcoscyphus
Conclusion
Sarkoscif alai is of interest to mycologists because of the unusual structure of the fruiting body. Lovers of quiet hunting also do not ignore it, since the fruiting period occurs at a time when there are practically no mushrooms in the forest. In addition, there is an opinion that the powder from dried sarcoscifa scarlet is able to quickly stop blood, therefore it is used as a wound healing agent.
