Sowerbyella rhenana
stalked orange peel fungus
(c) grampianshiker, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Pyrenemataceae · Type: FUNG
Sowerbyella rhenana (stalked orange peel fungus) is a California fung in the Pyrenemataceae family.
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.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Differentiators are not available at this time.
Conservation status
State rank None
How to tell it apart
Differentiators are not available at this time.
Frequently asked questions
What plant family does Sowerbyella rhenana belong to?
Sowerbyella rhenana is in the Pyrenemataceae family, genus Sowerbyella.
More California species
This species has no close relatives in our California data — here are other species to explore.
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.