Syn.: Allophylaria terrigena P. Karst., Ciliaria scutellata (L.) Quél. ex Boud., Humariella scutellata (L.) J. Schröt., Lachnea scutellata (L.) Sacc., Patella scutellata (L.) Morgan, Peziza aurantiaca Vent., Peziza scutellata L.
Family: Pyronemataceae Corda
Distribution: Found both in Europe and North America but there are records of this fungus in Africa, India and southeast Asia.
Ecology: Grows mostly on rotting wood of both conifers and deciduous trees, sometimes in decaying humus. Fruits from May until October.
Description: Fruiting body starts as small hairy knob, develops in a flat disc with hairy fringe; sessile disc to 15 mm across, hairs (eyelashes) dark brown to black, 2 mm long, bright scarlet to orange red, smooth. Flesh red, thin. Spores elliptic, measured in microns, minutely warted, with one or two oil droplets.
Edibility: Too puny to be of any importance, if you can find it for its size.
These images were taken in Canada, Alberta, Millarville (August 2011).
