Synonyms: Geopyxis hesperidea, Geopyxis occidentalis, Molliardiomyces occidentalis, Peziza hesperidea, Peziza occidentalis, Plectania occidentalis.
Common name: Stalked Scarlet Cup.
Extract from Wikipedia article: 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. Fruit bodies have small, bright red cups up to 2 cm (0.8 in) wide atop a slender whitish stem that is between 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) long. A saprobic species, it is found growing on hardwood twigs, particularly those that are partially buried in moist and shaded humus-rich soil. The fungus is distributed in the continental United States east of the Rocky Mountains, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. It is distinguished from the related species S. coccinea and S. austriaca by differences in geographical distribution, fruiting season, and fruit body structure. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that it is most closely related to other Sarcoscypha species that contain large oil droplets in their spores. The species Molliardiomyces occidentalis is an imperfect form of the fungus that lacks a sexually reproductive stage in its life cycle.
Russian: Саркосцифа западная.
Sarcoscypha occidentalis is a species of cup fungus that belongs to the family Sarcoscyphaceae. It is characterized by its bright red to orange-red cups, typically 2-6 cm in diameter, with a white to pale yellow interior and short, stout stem. In East and Central Texas, Sarcoscypha occidentalis can be found growing on the ground in wooded areas, often associated with deciduous trees such as oak and maple, from late winter to early spring. The fungus fruits solitary or in small groups, typically in moist, shaded environments with rich soil.
Ascomycete mushrooms stalked scarlet cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, April 8, 2018
LSHT Little Lake Creek Loop, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a rotting branch in soil on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, April 8, 2018LSHT Little Lake Creek Loop, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Close up of stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, April 8, 2018LSHT Little Lake Creek Loop, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Stalked scarlet cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) mushrooms on a rotting branch in wet soil on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, April 8, 2018LSHT Little Lake Creek Loop, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Mushrooms stalked scarlet cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) taken from a small piece of wood on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, April 8, 2018
Sarcoscypha occidentalis mushrooms on pieces of wood in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 31, 2018Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cap mushrooms Sarcoscypha occidentalis growing on pieces of wood in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 31, 2018Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2018Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cup mushrooms Sarcoscypha occidentalis on rotting wood in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 3, 2018Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cup mushrooms Sarcoscypha occidentalis on small pieces of wood in a damp place in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 3, 2018Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cup fungi Phillipsia crispata(?) and Sarcoscypha occidentalis on wet wood in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 3, 2018Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cup fungi Phillipsia crispata(?) and Sarcoscypha occidentalis on wet fallen branches in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 3, 2018Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cup mushrooms Phillipsia crispata(?) and Sarcoscypha occidentalis on rotting wood in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 3, 2018
Cup mushrooms Sarcoscypha occidentalis in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 5, 20181405 Bulle Rock Court, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, June 7, 2019
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a fallen twig on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 23, 2020Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 17, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Stalked Scarlet Cup mushroom (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a rotting stick on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, January 30, 2021Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a stick in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Stalked scarlet cup fungus (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, June 6, 202123668 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Stalked Scarlet Cup fungus (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a stick in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 4, 2024Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Cluster of stalked Scarlet Cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a stick in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 4, 2024Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Asci with spores (in Congo Red) of mushrooms Sarcoscypha occidentalis under a microscope with x40 objective, collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 4, 2024
Asci with spores (in KOH) of mushrooms Sarcoscypha occidentalis under a microscope with x40 objective, collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 4, 2024
Spores of Stalked Scarlet Cup fungus (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) collected a day before in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 5, 2024
Stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) on a stick in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Asci of stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) (x40 objective) collected in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024
Spores of stalked scarlet cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha occidentalis) (x100 objective) collected in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024The fungus Sarcoscypha occidentalis was observed in East and Central Texas from 2018 to 2024. Most sightings were in Lick Creek Park (College Station) and Sam Houston National Forest (near Huntsville). The fungus typically grew on rotting wood, sticks, or twigs in damp environments. Observations occurred throughout the year, with multiple sightings in April, May, June, and October. Some observations included microscopic examination of spores and asci. The fungus was often found in clusters or singly, and its distinctive scarlet cup shape was noted. Overall, the observations suggest that Sarcoscypha occidentalis is a common species in East and Central Texas, particularly in areas with abundant rotting wood and moist environments. The sightings span multiple years, indicating a consistent presence of the fungus in the region.
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