Sarcosphaera | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Pezizomycetes |
Order: | Pezizales |
Family: | Pezizaceae |
Genus: | Sarcosphaera Auersw. (1869) |
Species: | S. coronaria |
Binomial name | |
Sarcosphaera coronaria | |
Synonyms [1] | |
Caulocarpa montana Gilkey Contents |
Smooth hymenium | |
No distinct cap | |
Hymenium attachment is not applicable | |
Lacks a stipe | |
Ecology is mycorrhizal | |
Edibility is not recommended |
Sarcosphaera is a fungal genus within the Pezizaceae family. It used to be considered monotypic genus, containing the single species Sarcosphaera coronaria, commonly known as the pink crown, the violet crown-cup, or the violet star cup. However, recent research revealed there are many species in the complex, two in Europe and North Africa (S. coronaria and S. crassa), other in North America (e.g., S. columbiana, S. pacifica, S. montana, S. gigantea) and Asia [2] .
S. coronaria is a whitish or grayish cup fungus, distinguished by the manner in which the cup splits into lobes from the top downward. The fruit body, typically found partially buried in soil, is initially like a fleshy hollow ball, and may be mistaken for a puffball. Unlike the latter, it splits open from the top downwards to form a cup with five to ten pointed rays, reaching up to 12 centimetres (4+3⁄4 in) in diameter. It is lavender-brown on the inside surface.
It is commonly found in the mountains in coniferous woods under humus on the forest floor, and often appears after the snow melts in late spring and early summer. The fungus is widespread, and has been collected in Europe, Israel and the Asian part of Turkey, North Africa, and North America. In Europe, it is considered a threatened species in 14 countries. Once thought to be a good edible, it is not recommended for consumption, after several reports of poisonings causing stomach aches, and in one instance, death. The fruit bodies are known to bioaccumulate the toxic metalloid arsenic from the soil.
The genus was first described by Bernhard Auerswald in 1869, to accommodate the species then known as Peziza macrocalyx. [3] Sarcosphaera coronaria was originally named Peziza coronaria by the Dutch scientist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1778, [4] and underwent several name changes before being assigned its current name in 1908 by Joseph Schröter. [5] The Greek genus name means "flesh ball"; the Latin specific epithet, coronaria, refers to the crown-like form of the open fruit body. [6] The species is commonly known by various names, including the "crown fungus", [7] the "pink crown", [8] the "violet crown-cup", [9] or the "violet star cup". [10]
Several taxa have been named as belonging to the genus Sarcosphaera over the years, but most lack modern descriptions and have not been reported since their original collections. For example, Sarcosphaera funerata was renamed by Fred Jay Seaver in 1930 [11] based on the basionym Peziza funerata, originally described by Cooke in 1878. Sarcosphaera gigantea was a species collected from Michigan, originally described as Pustularia gigantea by Heinrich Rehm in 1905, [12] and considered distinct from S. coronaria on the basis of its smaller spore size. [13] Sarcosphaera ulbrichiana was described by Wilhem Kirschstein in 1943. [14] Other taxa have been reduced to synonymy with S. coronaria, or transferred to other genera. Sarcosphaera eximia (originally Peziza eximia Durieu & Lév. 1848, [15] and later transferred to Sarcosphaera by René Maire), Sarcosphaera crassa (considered by Zdeněk Pouzar in a 1972 publication to be the correct name for S. coronaria) [16] and Sarcosphaera dargelasii (originally Peziza dargelasii Gachet 1829, [17] transferred to Sarcosphaera by Nannfeldt) [18] are now considered synonyms of S. coronaria. [1] Sarcosphaera ammophila (originally Peziza ammophila Durieu & Mont.) [15] and Sarcosphaera amplissima (originally Peziza amplissima Fr. 1849) [19] have since been transferred back to Peziza . The 10th edition of the Dictionary of the Fungi (2008) considers Sarcosphaera to be monotypic, [20] and Index Fungorum has only Sarcosphaera coronaria confirmed as valid. [21]
In 1947, Helen Gilkey described the genus Caulocarpa based on a single collection made in Wallowa County, Oregon. [22] The type species, C. montana, was thought to be a truffle (formerly classified in the now-defunct Tuberales order) because of its chambered fruit body and subterranean growth habit. It was later noted by mycologist James Trappe to strongly resemble Sarcosphaera. Thirty years later, Trappe revisited the original collection site in eastern Oregon and found fresh specimens that closely matched Gilkey's original description. Some specimens, however, had opened up similar to Sarcosphaera, suggesting that the original specimens had "simply not emerged and often not opened due to habitat factors." Microscopic examination of the preserved type material revealed the species to be Sarcosphaera coronaria (then called S. crassa), [23] and Caulocarpa is now considered a generic synonym of Sarcosphaera. [24]
Sarcosphaera is classified in the family Pezizaceae of the order Pezizales. [20] Phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal DNA sequences suggests that Sarcosphaera forms a clade with the genera Boudiera and Iodophanus , and that the three taxa are a sister group to Ascobolus and Saccobolus (both in the family Ascobolaceae). Species in the families Pezizaceae and Ascobolaceae are distinct from other Pezizalean taxa in the positive iodine reaction of the ascus wall. [25] In a more recent (2005) phylogenetic analysis combining the data derived from three genes (the large subunit ribosomal rRNA (LSU), RNA polymerase II (RPB2), and beta-tubulin), Sarcosphaera was shown to be closely related to the truffle genus Hydnotryopsis , [26] corroborating earlier results that used only the LSU rDNA sequences. [27]
Sarcosphaera is partly hypogeous (fruiting underground) and emerges from the ground as a whitish to cream-colored hollow ball. Young specimens are covered entirely by an easily removed thin protective membrane. [10] As it matures, it splits open to expose the inner spore-bearing layer (hymenium). The cup is up to 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in) in diameter, roughly spherical initially but breaking up into a series of five to ten raylike projections, which give the fruit body the shape of a crown. The outer surface of the cup is white, while the inner surface is lilac-gray, although in age the color may fade to a brownish-lavender color. The flesh is white, thick, and fragile. [8] Some specimens may have a short, stubby stalk. [28]
S. coronaria has no distinctive taste or odor, [29] although one source says that as it gets older the odor becomes "reminiscent of rhubarb". [10]
The spores are hyaline (translucent), smooth, and ellipsoid with the ends truncate. They have dimensions of 11.5–20 by 5–9 μm, [10] and usually contain two large oil drops. [30] The paraphyses (sterile, filamentous cells interspersed among the asci, or spore-producing cells) are 5–8 μm wide at the tip, branched, septate (with partitions that divide the cells into compartments), and constricted at the septa. [31] The asci are cylindrical, and measure 300–360 by 10–13 μm; the tips of the asci stain blue with Melzer's reagent. The finely cylindrical paraphyses have slightly swollen tips and are forked at the base. [29]
The chemical composition of fruit bodies collected from Turkey has been analyzed, and the dried fruit bodies determined to contain the following nutritional components: protein, 19.46%; fat, 3.65%; ash, 32.51%; carbohydrates, 44.38% (including 6.71% as non-digestible cellulose). [nb 1] Fresh fruit bodies have a moisture content of 84.4%. [32] The mushrooms are a good source of the element vanadium, shown in a 2007 study to be present at a concentration of 0.142 mg/kg (dry weight). [33]
Immature, unopened fruit bodies can be mistaken for truffles, but are distinguished by their hollow interior. [8] Mature specimens somewhat resemble the "earthstar scleroderma" ( Scleroderma polyrhizum ), but this yellowish-brown species does not have the purple coloration of Sarcosphaera coronaria. [7] Peziza ammophila (formerly classified in the genus Sarcosphaera) [34] has an exterior surface that is colored brown to dark brown, and when young it is cup-shaped. Neournula puchettii also has a pinkish-colored hymenium, but it is smaller and always cup-shaped. [35] Geopora sumneriana is another cup fungus that superficially resembles S. coronaria in its form and subterranean growth habit; [36] however, the surface of its hymenium is cream-colored with ochraceous tinges, and its outer surface is covered with brown hairs. Geopora sepulta may also be included as a potential lookalike to S. coronaria, as it is macroscopically indistinguishable from G. sumneriana. [37]
Geopora arenicola and Peziza violacea are also similar. [38]
The fungus is distributed in 23 European countries, [nb 2] North Africa, and North America, from British Columbia eastward to Michigan and New York, [39] south to Veracruz, Mexico. [40] It has also been collected from Israel [41] and the Asian part of Turkey. [42]
The fruit bodies are found singly, scattered, or clustered together in broad-leaf woods favoring beech, less frequently with conifers. [29] A preference for calcareous soils has been noted, but they will also grow on acidic bedrock. [9] Because their initial development is subterranean, young fruit bodies are easy to overlook, as they as usually covered with dirt or forest duff. They are more common in mountainous locations, and occur most frequently in the spring, often near melting snow. [30]
Historically, Sarcosphaera coronaria has been assumed to be saprobic, [9] acquiring nutrients from breaking down decaying organic matter. The fungus, however, is only found with trees known to form mycorrhiza, and it is often locally abundant where it occurs, year after year in the same location, indicative of a mycorrhizal lifestyle. [27] The results of a 2006 study of Pezizalean fungi further suggest that the species is an ectomycorrhizal symbiont, and more generally, that the Pezizales include more ectomycorrhizal fungi than previously thought. [43]
In Europe, the fungus is red-listed in 14 countries, and is considered a threatened species by the European Council for Conservation of Fungi. It is short-listed for inclusion in the Bern Convention by the European Council for Conservation of Fungi. Threats to the species include loss and degradation of habitats due to clearcutting and soil disturbance. [9]
A number of poisonings attributed to this species have been reported from Europe, [44] including one fatal poisoning in the Jura area in 1920, following which a warning was issued not to eat it raw or in salads. [45]
The fruit bodies can bioaccumulate the toxic heavy metal arsenic from the soil in the form of the compound methylarsonic acid. Although less toxic than arsenic trioxide, it is still relatively dangerous. [46] Concentrations over 1000 mg/kg (dry weight) are often reached. [47] [48] [49] As reported in one 2004 publication, a mature specimen collected near the town of Český Šternberk in the Czech Republic was found to have an arsenic content of 7090 mg/kg dry weight, the highest concentration ever reported in a mushroom. [50] Typically, the arsenic content of mycorrhizal mushrooms collected from unpolluted areas is lower than 1 mg/kg. In a 2007 Turkish study of 23 wild edible mushroom species (collected from areas not known to be polluted), S. coronaria had the highest concentration of arsenic at 8.8 mg/kg dry weight, while the arsenic concentration of the other tested mushrooms ranged from 0.003 mg/kg (in Sarcodon leucopus ) to 0.54 mg/kg (in Lactarius salmonicolor ). [33]
Although older literature describes it as a good edible species, modern literature does not recommended it for consumption. [51] It gives some individuals gastrointestinal discomfort, [31] reputedly similar to poisoning symptoms caused by morels. [52] Although the fruit bodies are edible after cooking, they are rarely collected by mushroom pickers, and have no commercial value. [9]
The Pezizaceae are a family of fungi in the Ascomycota which produce mushrooms that tend to grow in the shape of a "cup". Spores are formed on the inner surface of the fruit body (ascoma). The cup shape typically serves to focus raindrops into splashing spores out of the cup. Additionally, the curvature enables wind currents to blow the spores out in a different manner than in most agarics and boletes.
Aleuria aurantia is a widespread ascomycete fungus in the order Pezizales. The bright orange, cup-shaped ascocarps often resemble orange peels strewn on the ground, giving this species its common name.
Sarcoscypha coccinea, commonly known as the scarlet elf cup, or the scarlet cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae of the order Pezizales. The fungus, widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, has been found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. The type species of the genus Sarcoscypha, S. coccinea has been known by many names since its first appearance in the scientific literature in 1772. Phylogenetic analysis shows the species to be most closely related to other Sarcoscypha species that contain numerous small oil droplets in their spores, such as the North Atlantic island species S. macaronesica. Due to similar physical appearances and sometimes overlapping distributions, S. coccinea has often been confused with S. occidentalis, S. austriaca, and S. dudleyi.
Gyromitra caroliniana, known commonly as the Carolina false morel or big red, is an ascomycete fungus of the genus Gyromitra, within the Pezizales group of fungi. It is found in hardwood forests of the southeastern United States, where it fruits in early spring soon after snowmelt.
Peziza violacea, commonly known as the violet fairy cup or the violet cup fungus, is a species of fungus in the genus Peziza of the family Pezizaceae. As both it common names and specific epithet suggest, the cup-shaped fruiting bodies are violet colored on the interior surface. P. violacea is typically found growing on burnt soil.
Geopyxis carbonaria is a species of fungus in the genus Geopyxis, family Pyronemataceae. First described to science in 1805, and given its current name in 1889, the species is commonly known as the charcoal loving elf-cup, dwarf acorn cup, stalked bonfire cup, or pixie cup. The small, goblet-shaped fruitbodies of the fungus are reddish-brown with a whitish fringe and measure up to 2 centimetres across. They have a short, tapered stalk.
Peziza praetervisa, commonly known as the purple fairy cup or the fireplace cup, is a species of fungus in the genus Peziza, family Pezizaceae. Recognized by its flattened, purple, cup-like fruitbodies, this widespread fungus typically grows scattered or in clusters on burnt ground.
Scutellinia scutellata, commonly known as the eyelash pixie cup, eyelash cup, the Molly eye-winker, the scarlet elf cap, the eyelash fungus or the eyelash pixie cup, is a small saprophytic fungus in the family Pyronemataceae. It is the type species of Scutellinia, as well as being the most common and widespread. The fruiting bodies are small red cups with distinctive long, dark hairs or "eyelashes". These eyelashes are the most distinctive feature and are easily visible with a magnifying glass.
Caloscypha is a fungal genus in the family Caloscyphaceae. A monotypic genus, it contains the single species Caloscypha fulgens, commonly known as the snowbank orange peel fungus, spring orange peel fungus, the golden cup, or the dazzling cup. It is a cup fungus, typically up to 4 centimetres in diameter, with a bright to pale orange interior and orange; specimens that are old or bruised often have an olive-green discoloration, especially around the edges.
Helvella acetabulum is a species of fungus in the family Helvellaceae, order Pezizales. This relatively large cup-shaped fungus is characterized by a tan fruit body with prominent branching ribs resembling a cabbage leaf; for this reason it is commonly known as the cabbage leaf Helvella. Other colloquial names include the vinegar cup and the brown ribbed elfin cup. The fruit bodies reaches dimensions of 8 centimetres (3 in) by 4 cm tall. It is found in Eurasia and North America, where it grows in sandy soils, under both coniferous and deciduous trees.
Disciotis venosa, commonly known as the bleach cup, veiny cup fungus, or the cup morel is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae. Fruiting from April, they are often difficult to locate because of their nondescript brown color.
Sarcoscypha occidentalis, commonly known as the stalked scarlet cup or the western scarlet cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae of the Pezizales order. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that it is most closely related to other Sarcoscypha species that contain large oil droplets in their spores. S. occidentalis has an imperfect form, classified as Molliardiomyces occidentalis.
Sarcoscypha dudleyi, commonly known as the crimson cup or the scarlet cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae of the order Pezizales. It has been frequently confused with Sarcoscypha coccinea, but can be distinguished from this and other related species in Sarcoscypha by differences in microscopic characteristics, such as the presence and number of oil droplets in the spores. An imperfect form of the fungus, lacking a sexually reproductive stage in its life cycle, is classified as the species Molliardiomyces dudleyi.
Geopora cooperi, commonly known as the pine truffle or the fuzzy truffle, is a species of fungus in the family Pyronemataceae. It has a fuzzy brown outer surface and an inner surface of whitish, convoluted folds of tissue. Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, the species has been recorded from Asia, Europe, and North America.
Galiella rufa, commonly known as the rubber cup, the rufous rubber cup, or the hairy rubber cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcosomataceae. It produces cup-shaped fruit bodies with the texture of tough, gelatinous rubber, with a rough, blackish-brown, felt-like outer surface and a smooth reddish-brown inner surface.
Peziza phyllogena, commonly known as the common brown cup or the pig-ear cup, is a species of fungus in the family Pezizaceae. A saprobic species, the fungus produces brownish, cup-shaped fruit bodies that grow singly or in clusters on either soil or well-rotted wood. It is found in Europe, North America, and Iceland, where it fruits in the spring.
Peziza arvernensis, commonly known as the boring brown cup fungus or fairy tub, is a species of apothecial fungus belonging to the family Pezizaceae. This fungus appears as brown cups, often in small groups, on soil in broad-leaved woodland, especially with beech. The ascocarps can grow quite large, up to 10 cm across. This species is widespread in Europe with a few records from North and South America.
Peziza domiciliana, commonly known as the domicile cup fungus, is a species of fungus in the genus Peziza, family Pezizaceae. Described by English mycologist Mordecai Cubitt Cooke, the fungus grows on rotten wood, drywall/plasterboard, and plaster in homes, damp cellars, and basements. It is known from Asia, Europe, North America, and Antarctica.
Peziza succosa is a species of apothecial fungus belonging to the family Pezizaceae. It grows in woods in Europe, Iceland, Israel, China, Argentina, and the United States. In Europe this fungus appears in summer and autumn as grey or brown saucers up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter on soil in woodland, often at pathsides. In the United States, this type of cup fungi may also be found on decaying deciduous wood. It is inedible.
Peziza varia, commonly known as the spreading brown cup fungus, Palomino cup or recurved cup, is a species of fungus in the genus Peziza, family Pezizaceae.
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