Costa Rica Species
Cookeina tricholoma
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 tricholoma

Bristly Tropical Cup

(Alb. & Schwein.) Kuntze, 1891

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A distinctive and highly photogenic tropical fungus characterized by its goblet or cup-shaped fruiting body. It ranges in color from pale pink to deep coral red and is easily recognized by the conspicuous, stiff, pale hairs (setae) covering its outer surface and rim.

Added by

Gerardo Venegas

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Gerardo Venegas

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

Pink Fringe CupCopita peludaCopita peluda

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.(Alb. & Schwein.) Kuntze, 1891
Record Completeness
25%
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.

Omnivore

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

Inedible

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

Depressed

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

Smooth

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

Thrives in the dense, humid understory of lowland and premontane tropical rainforests across Costa Rica, where ambient moisture levels remain consistently high.

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

Grows exclusively on dead, decaying hardwood logs, fallen branches, and moist woody debris in deeply shaded areas.

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

It plays a crucial ecological role as a saprobic (wood-decaying) fungus. It actively decomposes fallen timber, breaking down complex lignins and recycling essential nutrients back into the rainforest ecosystem.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

1.0 - 3.0 cm

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

No hymenium surface images available.
Recorded Hymenium Type

Smooth

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

Forms specialized cups (apothecia) that utilize the mechanical force of falling raindrops to splash and disperse spores into the air currents.
The bristly outer hairs (setae) are thought to deter small grazing invertebrates and help retain surface moisture.

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

Deforestation and loss of primary rainforest canopy, which leads to fatal microclimate drying.

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

Unlike traditional mushrooms with gills that drop spores, this fungus shoots its spores from microscopic "cannons" (called asci) located on the smooth inner surface of the cup.
It is a favorite subject for macro-photographers on Costa Rican night tours due to its striking, vibrant contrast against dark rotting wood.