FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Galiella rufa
Hairy Rubber Cup
(Schwein.) Nannf. & Korf, 1957
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A distinctive, cup-shaped ascomycete fungus with a tough, rubbery, and gelatinous interior. When closed, it appears as a dark brown to blackish fuzzy ball; upon maturing, it splits open at the top to reveal a smooth, concave, reddish-brown to tan inner disc (the fertile hymenium). The dark outer surface is densely covered with coarse, stiff, blackish hairs.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
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).Galiellaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Galiella
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Schwein.) Nannf. & Korf, 1957
Record Completeness
85%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.
Herbivore
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.
Year Round
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
Grows in tight clusters or small groups on decaying, barkless hardwood logs and branches buried in organic debris, particularly favoring oak, within moist temperate deciduous forests of eastern North America and parts of Europe.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
A slow-acting lignicolous saprophyte. Its mycelial strings work deeply within wet logs over many seasons. When specific humidity is reached in mid-to-late summer, it forces out clusters of closed spheres that pop open like small cups, remaining turgid for weeks.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 6.0 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
The rubbery, gelatinous matrix inside the body structure serves as a large reservoir that stores significant amounts of water, allowing the fungus to keep sporulating through dry spells that would shrivel other mushrooms.
The coarse, stiff hairs covering the dark outer skin act as a structural layer that breaks up strong winds, drastically reducing moisture loss from air friction over the surface.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Intensive forest clearing and the systematic removal of old, decaying, large-diameter logs deprive this slow-growing ascomycete of the extensive interior wood volume needed to sustain its vegetative mycelium.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Laboratory extractions of Galiella rufa have revealed unique secondary metabolites called galiellalactones, which are actively studied in biochemistry for their potent anti-inflammatory and chemical signaling inhibitive properties.