Sowerbyella rhenana

stalked orange peel fungus

Family: Pyrenemataceae · Type: FUNG

The stalked orange peel fungus is a fungus found in coniferous forest habitats, typically associated with decaying woody debris in cool, moist mountain environments. Fruiting from spring to early summer, this distinctive fungus produces bright orange, cup-shaped apothecia with a smooth, waxy surface that resembles an orange peel. Growing to 2 to 5 centimeters tall with a distinctly stalked structure, it emerges from forest floor leaf litter and decaying wood. Its fruiting body has a characteristic deep orange color, with a smooth interior surface and a slightly lighter, textured exterior. The fungus is typically solitary or found in small clusters, with a delicate, almost translucent orange membrane that becomes more vibrant when moist.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.