552 



The Recurved Peziza (Edibee) 

 Pc;:i:;a rcpaiida \\'ahl. 



This cup-shaped plant grows in m(3ist woods, either on old rotten 

 logs or on the ground, from ]\Iay to October. 



The cups are 3 to 10 cm. (i to 4 inches) in diameter and grow 

 either scattered or clustered. When very small they appear like little 

 white knobs. These grow into hollow spheres each with an opening 

 at the top. The sphere then expands and becomes cup-shaped or 

 saucer-shaped and then nearly flat with the edge more or less split 

 and wavy and sometimes drooping or curved backward. Below, the 

 cup is narrowed into a short, stout stem which is sometimes rooting. 

 The inner surface of the cup is pale brown or dark brown and more 

 or less wrinkled toward the center. The outer surface is whitish. 



Peziza hadia Pers., the brown Peziza. is another common cup- 

 fungus which is of good size and edible. It is not quite so large as 

 P. rcpanda and the entire plant is Ijrown. though somewhat darker 

 inside than outside. 



Neither of these species is considered first-class for culinary pur- 

 poses, but when one cannot get better they are worth collecting. If 

 they are to be stewed they must be cut into small pieces and cooked 

 slowh'. They are said to have more flavor when fried crisp in butter. 



Collected in Champaign county. 



