Discina perlata

Discina perlata, commonly known as pig's ears is a brown to tannish, wrinkled, cup- or ear-shaped fungus, sometimes with short, stout stalk. The spores of D. perlata are quite similar to those of mushrooms in the genus Gyromitra, so that some mycologists classify it there.

Discina perlata
Fruit bodies of "Discina perlata" found in Eastern Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Siskiyou Co., California
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Ascomycota
Class:
Pezizomycetes
Order:
Pezizales
Family:
Helvellaceae
Genus:
Discina
Species:
D. perlata
Binomial name
Discina perlata
Synonyms
  • Peziza perlata
  • Acetabula ancilis
Discina perlata
float
Mycological characteristics
smooth hymenium
hymenium is decurrent
stipe is bare
spore print is brown
ecology is saprotrophic
edibility: inedible

Description

The cup measures 1⅝ - 4 in. (4 – 10 cm) wide; with a disc-like, whitish exterior, and a dark brown to tan interior. The cup is often wrinkled to convoluted, with the edges turned downward. The flesh is brittle. The stipe (when present) is ¼ - ⅜ in. (0.5 – 1 cm.) long and thick; it is brownish-tan in color.

It is considered inedible.[1]

Microscopic characteristics

The spores are 30 - 35 x 12 - 14 μm; Spindle shaped, minutely warted, with 3 oil drops and knobs at each end, located in the cup.

Similar species

Disciotis venosa is more deeply veined, and has smooth spores; it is typically found in deciduous woods. Other similar species of Discina must be differentiated microscopically.

Habitat and distribution

It is found singularly or in groups, on humus or rotten wood in coniferous areas; near melting snowbanks in western mountains. Its range is from Northeastern United States, Northwestern United States, and California. It comes into fruiting from May–July.

References
  1. Phillips, Roger (2010). Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. p. 364. ISBN 978-1-55407-651-2.
  • Lincoff, GH National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 1981 p. 331 ISBN 978-0-394-51992-0
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