Peziza violacea 🍄

We ran into this interesting cup-shaped mushrooms which were growing in small groups, on our last trip.

Both Hive account@simba and I couldn't recognize this type and after a long search on the web I got to the conclusion that this mushroom belongs to the Peziza type, and after even deeper inquiry I narrow it down to either Peziza violacea or the Peziza praetervisa which differ from it in microscopic features.

It both belongs to the cup mushrooms' family.

The reproductive organs are usually like a glass or a saucer.

The fertile layer is located on the inside of the reproductive body.
It usually grows on organic rotting materials, on the ground, on rotten wood remains and on animal droppings.

The Peziza violacea grows in groups on different types of trees, in December-February.

Can be eaten after cooking for 10-15 minutes, but has low culinary quality and is tasteless.

Enjoy!

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS + Raynox DCR250 super macro lens

Info: mushrooms.org.il