Costa Rica Species
Cookeina speciosa
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Cookeina speciosa

Cup Fungus

(Fr.) Dennis, 1947

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Ascomycete fungus with a cup or deep funnel shape, supported by a short stalk. Its color varies from pale pink to orange-red or magenta. The inner surface is smooth, while the rim of the cup features fine, almost microscopic whitish hairs or cilia.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Hongo de copaCopita rojaTropical cup fungusPink cup

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Ascomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Pezizomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pezizales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Sarcoscyphaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cookeina
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Fr.) Dennis, 1947
Record Completeness
93%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Wet Season

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits tropical and subtropical zones worldwide. It grows exclusively on dead wood, decaying logs, and fallen branches in the humid, shaded understory.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

It is a saprophytic fungus specialized in degrading lignin and cellulose. The cup shape is not accidental; it functions as a dispersal mechanism where raindrops hit the interior and splash the spores outward.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

2.0 - 5.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Cup shape (splash-cup) that uses the kinetic energy of rain for spore dispersal.
Bright pigments (carotenoids) that may help in radiation protection or attract insects that accidentally carry spores.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Prolonged droughts that prevent the formation of the fruiting body.
Removal of fallen wood in managed forests, reducing its food source.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Unlike many other fungi, Cookeina speciosa is known for its somewhat elastic and tough texture.
While not considered toxic, it has no culinary value due to its leathery consistency.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.