Scutellinia scutellata

Family / Families: Pyronemataceae
Scientific Name(s): Scutellinia scutellata (L.) Lamb.
Location(s): near Millarville, Alberta, Canada
Entry Author(s): Daniel Mosquin
Copyright Holder(s): annkelliott@Flickr aka Anne Elliott
Image Permissions: Please contact the copyright holder for permission to use.
Photographer(s) Appreciation: Yet another nod of appreciation to Anne Elliott@Flickr, this time for her photograph of Scutellinia scutellata. We're always grateful for your generosity, Anne.
Tags: Alberta, Canada, Fungus, Pyronemataceae, via Flickr

Scutellinia scutellata, the eyelash fungus

Eyelash pixie cup, eyelash fungus, eyelash cup, scarlet elf cap, Molly eye-winker–all are common names for this diminutive fungus.

As noted in the Wikipedia entry on Scutellinia scutellata, this species is common across North America and Europe, and recorded from every continent (yes, even Antarctica). If you have yet to see it, look for bright orange spots on rotting wood and damp soil. I only noticed it for the first time early this summer when it was pointed out to me. So small! I suspect now that I know what to look for, I’ll see it more often. Michael Kuo of MushroomExpert.com had to have his eyes opened to it as well: Scutellinia scutellata.

If it reminds you somewhat of a sliced carrot, the pigmentation is due to the same group of pigments found in those root vegetables: carotenoids. Is it edible? Doubtful, and even it is, it’s not worth the effort gathering something that is about the size of the flat end of a pencil eraser.

Mykoweb has additional photographs and a scientific description: Scutellinia scutellata.

10 responses to “Scutellinia scutellata”

Pat Collins July 21, 2017 at 9:40 am Permalink | Reply

“Eye-winker” is apparently US slang for eyelash, “Molly” is intriguing as it may mean a prostitute, a low-class girl, a gay man before that use of gay was invented or, perhaps, refers to a molly cottontail.

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1. Denis Dooley July 21, 2017 at 2:37 pm Permalink | Reply
  
  The photo and your added trivia have me picturing Malcolm McDowell’s right eye in A Clockwork Orange.
  
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Bonnie July 21, 2017 at 9:59 am Permalink | Reply

From the photo I didn’t realize the size until reading. Interesting.

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Sue Van Hook July 21, 2017 at 1:08 pm Permalink | Reply

whoa – branching out to the fungi are we? As a mycologist of 40+ years, I saw this species headline and was glad to know the fungi are eligible for your posts. Scutellinia scutellata is an all time favorite!

I may be sending you fungi photos sooner than later.

Cheers

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1. Roger Rosentreter July 21, 2017 at 2:43 pm Permalink | Reply
  
  Sue Sweet should know.
  
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2. Daniel Mosquin July 24, 2017 at 1:15 pm Permalink | Reply
  
  Please do, though we have indeed been featuring fungi from early on: http://botanyphoto.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/tag/fungus/
  
  (I just need to update the other 84% of entries so that the tags show everything from the past 12 years!)
  
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Meg July 21, 2017 at 3:14 pm Permalink | Reply

So glad you include fungi in your posts. Thanks!

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Jessica July 21, 2017 at 3:47 pm Permalink | Reply

Thanks, as always, for a lovely photo of this pretty little fungus.

I always enjoy your background info and, especially, the “common names”. It’s such an interesting insight into how people use or make visual associations with the plants.

This one’s a little gem.

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lynn July 21, 2017 at 5:03 pm Permalink | Reply

I appreciate the honesty of admitting you only noticed this little mushroom when it was pointed out to you – and now you’re spreading the wisdom. It seem to me there’s another very small orange mushroom that’s not this shape, but for sure I will be looking more closely now. Great photo!

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Perry (Mrs. Richard Kneedler) Kneedler July 22, 2017 at 5:49 am Permalink | Reply

Thank you for your diligent efforts, Mr. Mosquin and to everyone else who contributes. Botany has been a lifelong interest and wonder for me and time hasn’t allowed enough for that appetite. Spice of science and truth all at once!
Perry Kneedler

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