Spreading Cup

Peziza ampliata

Forests, parks, on decayed wood. Summer, autumn.

Fruiting bodies small – up to 4 cm across, almost globose when young, cup-shaped, finally irregular, wavy saucer-shaped. Upper surface slightly wrinkled, pale brown, yellowish-greyish-brown; underside brown, as if mealy, later the upper and lower sides become pale brown or the same colour, fading to grey. Flesh yellowish, fragile. There is no stem. Characteristic features: upper surface of the fruiting body somewhat wrinkled. Grows singly or in small groups on humus-rich soil, on decaying plant remains, in open places. Uncommon.