Community find

Peziza Fungus

Peziza species

Group

Cup fungus

Season

Can appear year-round in indoor environments or greenhouses; outdoors they typically fruit in spring and autumn during moist periods.

Habitat

Commonly found on the ground in soil, mulch, decaying wood, or compost. Some species are frequently found in greenhouses or plant pots containing potting soil high in organic matter.

Key characteristics

Cup or bowl-shaped fruiting body that may become flattened or wavy with age. Often brownish, tan, or ochre in color. The inner surface (hymenium) is smooth where spores are produced, while the outer surface is typically paler and sometimes slightly scurfy. They lack a true stem or have a very short, rudimentary one.

Look-alikes

Otidea species (Hare's Ears) which are split down one side, and Tarzetta species which are typically smaller and more deeply cup-shaped with a fringe on the margin.

Ecological role

Saprophytic, breaking down organic matter such as wood chips, leaf litter, and richness in soil, playing a key role in nutrient cycling.