Sarcoscypha coccinea, commonly known as the scarlet elf cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae of the order Pezizales. Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, it has been found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. It grows on decaying sticks and branches in damp spots on forest floors, generally buried under leaf litter or in the soil. The cup-shaped fruit bodies are usually produced during the cooler months of winter and early spring. The brilliant red interiors of the cups, from which the common and scientific names are derived, contrast with the lighter exteriors. The edibility of the fruit bodies is not clearly established, but their small size, tough texture and insubstantial fruitings would dissuade most people from collecting for the table. The fungus has been used medicinally by the Oneida Indians, and as a colorful component of table decorations in England. The species Molliardiomyces eucoccinea is an imperfect form of the fungus that lacks a sexually reproductive stage in its life cycle.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoscypha_coccinea
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1794:
American inventor Eli Whitney patented the cotton gin, the first ever machine that quickly and easily separated cotton fibers from their seedpods. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_gin
1885:
The Mikado, Gilbert and Sullivan's most frequently performed Savoy opera, debuted at the Savoy Theatre in London. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mikado
1931:
Alam Ara, the first Indian film with sound, was released. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alam_Ara
1978:
Israeli–Lebanese conflict: The Israel Defense Forces began Operation Litani, invading and occupying southern Lebanon, and pushing PLO troops north up to the Litani River. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_South_Lebanon_conflict
1991:
The "Birmingham Six", wrongly convicted of the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings in England, were released after sixteen years in prison. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Six
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
ad infinitum: Endlessly; for ever; neverendingly. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ad_infinitum
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
Let us accept the world is a mystery. Nature is neither solely material nor entirely spiritual. Man, too, is more than flesh and blood; otherwise, no religions would have been possible. Behind each cause is still another cause; the end or the beginning of all causes has yet to be found. --Albert Einstein https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein