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Cyathus striatus

[ Basidiomycota > Agaricales > Agaricaceae > Cyathus . . . ]

by Michael Kuo

This striking bird's nest fungus is easily recognized by its shaggy to hairy exterior and its prominently grooved interior—or at least these features will serve to identify it in temperate North America. In tropical and subtropical areas, several confusingly similar species can be found; see the Key to Bird's Nest Fungi in North America for help sorting them out.

According to bird's nest fungus authority Harold Brodie (1975), many forms of Cyathus striatus can be found in North America, ranging from pale to dark, and varying significantly in size. It is found almost exclusively in woods, though it sometimes occurs in woodchips.

Description:

Ecology: Saprobic; growing scattered or gregariously on forest debris in open woods, but almost never terrestrial; sometimes on woodchips; summer and fall; widely distributed in North America.

Nest: Typically 7–10 mm high and 6–8 mm wide, but variable in size; vase-shaped; outer surface grayish buff to dark brown, shaggy to woolly, with tufts of hairs; inner surface distinctly grooved or lined (otherwise bald) and shiny; "lid" typically white, disappearing with maturity.

Eggs: To 2 mm wide; ellipsoid, or often roughly triangular; sheathed; attached to the nest by cords (funiculi).

Microscopic Features: Spores 15–20 x 8–12 µm; ellipsoid; smooth; thick-walled; notched.


REFERENCES: (Hudson, 1778) Willdenow, 1787. (Coker & Couch, 1928; Brodie, 1975; States, 1990; Phillips, 1991/2005; Lincoff, 1992; Barron, 1999; Roody, 2003; McNeil, 2006; Miller & Miller, 2006; Trudell & Ammirati, 2009; Kuo & Methven, 2010.) Herb. Kuo 06029601, 08170301, 08200901.


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Cyathus striatus

Cyathus striatus

Cyathus striatus

Cyathus striatus
Funiculus and peridiole

Cyathus striatus
Spores



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Kuo, M. (2014, February). Cyathus striatus. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/cyathus_striatus.html