Scarlet Elf Cups, Sarcoscypha coccinea, amongst the moss and leaf litter being foraged here by cute elf doll (by Tatjana Raum)
The edge of my finger gives an idea of scale … this one was about 2cm in diameter, but they can grow to about 5cm. Scarlet elf cups grow on decaying sticks in damp areas of woodland and appear in winter/spring.
The underside to the cups and stalk is much lighter in colour. The fungus is considered by some to be edible, but is probably too tiny and tough to be bothered with.
Frogend dweller's Blog 
On a rainy morning, lovely to see these scarlet wonders!.Thank you!
No enhancement either. They really were that bright!
Our fungi aren’t nearly so impressive — or, if we have them, I haven’t found them yet. I suspect part of the reason is that I hang around our prairies more than the woodlands. “Decaying” and “damp” aren’t necessarily part of the prairie environment.
Ah yes, well I am sorry that you miss out on fungi, but the prairie has other beauties I am sure. Of course, when fungi eats through my fence posts etc I am not so happy to see it!
It is the right time of year to see elf cups! I just found some too.
Sometimes I wonder at myself when I am so happy to find odd fungi, but it can’t be helped. Glad you found some too, although in the interests of honesty here I should admit to being shown this patch. You win extra points!
It doesn’t matter how you see nature, just that you see it!
What a lovely thing to see on a gray winter’s day. I had to look twice to see the elf – it’s very sweet!
They are one of those things that nature happily throws up to stop you in your tracks! Didn’t want the elf to detract from the cups, but liked the elf dolls and the idea of drinking from the fungus.
Scarlet elf cups–charming! I’ve never heard of them, but what a special treat in winter.
That red is brilliant and looks especially nice against green moss.
A very nice find. Fungi can be exceptionally beautiful, but like most small things you need to get up close to appreciate them. Fascinating biology too!
I’ve simultaneously been interested and worried about fungi since reading the scifi book Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card! The fungus I’d most like to track down now is an earth star. They look truly amazing
Wow, what an amazing fungus. Such a beautiful red colouring and very appropriately named. You certainly couldn’t miss them if you’re out and about.
Yes! Somebody’s jokey reply to the photo of them was ‘I wondered where my buttons had gone’. It would have been an interesting waistcoat methinks!