Scarlet Elfcup - brightening up a wood near you in February

It's that time of year when many people forget about going out to look for fungi, but for those who do, February's Fungus of the Month is a real treat! Scarlet Elfcup, or Sarcoscypha austriaca, is a stunning cup fungus of damp broadleaf woodland. There are actually two very similar species and Liz Holden explains the differences in the full fungus profile.

As usual, please keep an eye out for this fungus and then either let us know you've found it or submit the record to your local fungus group. Also, remember that the ever growing list of 'Fungus of the Month' profiles is available here, ordered alphabetically or by its highlight month. We are always keen to hear about new records for any of these species at any time.