''Discina perlata'', commonly known as pig's ears is a brown to tannish, wrinkled, cup- or ear-shaped
fungus
A fungus (plural, : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of Eukaryote, eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and Mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified ...
, sometimes with short, stout
stalk
Stalk or stalking may refer to:
Behaviour
* Stalk, the stealthy approach (phase) of a predator towards its prey
* Stalking, an act of intrusive behaviour or unwanted attention towards a person
* Deer stalking, the pursuit of deer for sport
Biol ...
. The
spore
In biology, a spore is a unit of sexual or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavourable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many plants, algae, ...
s of ''D. perlata'' are quite similar to those of mushrooms in the genus ''
Gyromitra
''Gyromitra'' () is a genus of about 18 species of ascomycete fungi. They are a false morel - a frequently toxic mushroom that can be mistaken for edible mushrooms of the genus '' Morchella'' (morels).
Taxonomy
The name ''Gyromitra'' comes fro ...
'', so that some
mycologist
Mycology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy and their use to humans, including as a source for tinder, traditional medicine, food, and entheogens, as w ...
s classify it there.
Description
The cup measures 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 long and thick; it is brownish-tan in color.
It is considered edible by some authors,
but not others;
it can be confused with other potentially toxic species.
It should be cooked before consumption.
Microscopic characteristics
The spores are 30–35 x 12–14 μm, spindle shaped, minutely warted, with three oil drops and knobs at each end, located in the cup.
Similar species
''
Disciotis venosa
''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 in April and May, they are often difficult to locate because of their nondescript brown color. ...
'' is more deeply veined, and has smooth spores; it is typically found in deciduous woods. Other similar species of ''
Discina'' must be differentiated microscopically. ''
Peziza repanda'' is also similar.
In the
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest (sometimes Cascadia, or simply abbreviated as PNW) is a geographic region in western North America bounded by its coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, by the Rocky Mountains to the east. Though ...
, ''D. leucoxantha'' and ''D. olympiana'' are similar.
Habitat and distribution
It is found singularly or in groups, on
humus
In classical soil science, humus is the dark organic matter in soil that is formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It is a kind of soil organic matter. It is rich in nutrients and retains moisture in the soil. Humus is the Lati ...
or rotten wood in
coniferous areas; near melting snowbanks in western mountains. It is found in temperate areas of North America.
It comes into fruiting from May–July.
References
*
Lincoff, GH ''National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms.'' Chanticleer Press, Inc. 1981 p. 331
Discinaceae
{{Pezizomycetes-stub