Peziza phyllogena


Peziza phyllogena Cooke (1877) 

(also referred to as Peziza badioconfusa) is one of a number of dark brown to purple-brown or reddish brown cup shaped fungi we encounter especially in spring and early summer on damp soil when searching the ground for morels. The fruiting bodies often appear clustered together. The outer surface of these cups is somewhat grainy in texture, while the inner surface which contains the asci holding 8 spores each is relatively smooth. 

It is quite an experience to tap a cup - and provided the spores are sufficiently mature, it is possible to see millions eject into the air from the inside surface like a puff of fine cigarette smoke. 

It is in the Pezizaceae family of the Pezizales Order.