Discina ancilis
Species of fungus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Discina ancilis, commonly known as pig's ears[1][2][3] is a brown to tannish, wrinkled, cup- or ear-shaped fungus, sometimes with short, stout stalk.
| Discina ancilis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Fruit bodies found in eastern Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Siskiyou Co., California | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Pezizomycetes |
| Order: | Pezizales |
| Family: | Discinaceae |
| Genus: | Discina |
| Species: | D. ancilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Discina ancilis (Pers.) Sacc. (1889) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
List
| |
| Discina ancilis | |
|---|---|
| Mycological characteristics | |
 | Smooth hymenium |
 | Cap is umbilicate |
 | Hymenium is decurrent |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is brown |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is not recommended or edible |
Taxonomy
The spores of D. ancilis are quite similar to those of mushrooms in the genus Gyromitra, so some mycologists classify it there.[citation needed]
Description
The cup measures 2–10 centimetres (3⁄4–4 inches) wide,[4] with a disc-like, whitish exterior, and a dark brown to tan interior. The cup is often wrinkled to convoluted, with the edges turned downward. The flesh is brittle.[5] The stipe (when present) is up to 1 cm (3⁄8 in) long and 3 cm thick; it is whitish to brownish in color.[5]
Microscopic characteristics
The spores are 25–35 x 11–16 μm, spindle shaped, minutely roughened, with a large central oil drop and two smaller ones at each end.[5]
Similar species
Disciotis venosa is more deeply veined, and has smooth spores; it is typically found in deciduous woods. Other similar species of Discina must be differentiated microscopically. Peziza repanda is also similar.[4] In the Pacific Northwest, D. leucoxantha and D. olympiana are similar.[6] It also resembles Gyromitra melaleucoides.[5]
Distribution and habitat
It is found singularly or in groups, on humus or rotten wood in coniferous areas; near melting snowbanks in western mountains. It is found in temperate areas of North America.[6] It comes into fruiting from May–July.
