cup fungus, any member of a large group offungi (kingdom Fungi) in the order Pezizales (phylumAscomycota) and typicallycharacterized by a disk- or cup-shaped structure (apothecium) bearingspore sacs (asci) on its surface. Some of the cup fungi are importantplant pathogens, such asMonilinia (Sclerotinia), causing brown rot inpeach and other stone fruits. Others are saprobes, displaying small (2–5 mm [0.08–0.2 inch]), brilliant red or orange disks found on oldcow dung and decaying twigs and branches. Each ascus usually contains eight ascospores. Apothecia are usually open to the exterior; however, in subterraneantruffles, the apothecia are completely enclosed, exposed only when thetruffle is opened. Many of the cup fungi produce ballistospores, ascospores that are forcibly shot out. Sometimes, as inHelvella andPeziza, they are discharged in such numbers that they form a cloud above the fruiting body, and innumerable tiny explosions may be heard as a hissing sound.

The termmorel is used for the 15 species of edibleMorchella mushrooms. They have aconvoluted or pitted head, or cap. Morels are varied in shape and occur indiverse habitats. The edibleM. esculenta is found during early summer in woods. Thebell morel (Verpa), an ediblemushroom with a bell-shaped cap, is found in woods and in old orchards in early spring. Most species ofGyromitra, agenus offalse morels, are poisonous.G. brunnea is edible, however, and is found in sandy soils or woods.

Peziza, which contains about 50 widespread species, produces in summer a cup-shaped fruiting body or mushroomlike structure on rotting wood or manure.Fire fungus is the common name for two genera (Pyronema andAnthracobia) of the order that grow on burned wood or steamed soil.

Theediblesnow mushroom (Helvella gigas) is found at the edge of melting snow in some localities. Caution is advised for allHelvella species.H. infula has a dull yellow to bay-brown,saddle-shaped cap. It grows on rotten wood and rich soil from late summer to early fall and is poisonous to some people.

Sarcoscypha andGeopyxis (earth cup) are typically cup- or goblet-shaped.