Aleuria aurantia
| Orange peel fungus | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Aleuria aurantia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Phylum: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Pezizomycetes |
| Order: | Pezizales |
| Family: | Pyronemataceae |
| Genus: | Aleuria |
| Binomial name | |
| Aleuria aurantia (Fries) Fuckel | |
| Aleuria aurantia | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | smooth hymenium |
 | no distinct cap |
 | hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable |
| lacks a stipe |
 | spore print is white |
 | ecology is saprotrophic |
 | edibility: edible |
The Orange Peel Fungus (Aleuria aurantia) is a widespread ascomycete fungus in the order Pezizales. The brilliant orange, cup-shaped ascocarps often resemble orange peels strewn on the ground, giving this species its common name.
Description
In Europe, the orange peel may be confused with species of Otidea or Caloscypha which are poisonous or of unknown edibility. The North American Audubon Mushroom Field Guide lists orange peel fungi as edible, though not necessarily choice, with no particularly notable continental lookalikes.
Distribution and habitat
The orange peel fungus grows on bare clay or disturbed soil throughout North America and Europe. Aleuria aurantia fruits mainly in late summer and autumn.
Orange Peel Fungus (Aleuria)
References
- Nilsson, S. & Persson, O. 1977. Fungi of Northern Europe 1: Larger Fungi (Excluding Gill Fungi). Penguin Books.
- Yao, Y.-J., and B. M. Spooner. 1995. Notes on British taxa referred to Aleuria. Mycological Research 99:1515-1518.
- Seaver, F. J. 1914. North American species of Aleuria and Aleurina. Mycologia 6:273-278.