Helvella acetabulum - Лопастник бокальчатый - Vinegar Cup

Helvella acetabulum - Лопастник бокальчатый - Vinegar Cup - Essigbecher-Helmling 5/3/23

Helvella acetabulum, commonly known as the Vinegar Cup or Essigbecher-Helmling in German, is an ascomycete fungus belonging to the family Helvellaceae. This distinctive fungus features a cup-shaped or goblet-shaped fruiting body, usually ranging from 3 to 10 cm in diameter. The exterior of the fruiting body is brownish-gray to black, while the interior is a lighter gray. The upper margin of the cup is often irregular, with lobes or folds, giving the fungus a unique appearance. The stem of H. acetabulum is typically 4-10 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, and it is hollow, ridged, and wrinkled. The color of the stem can vary from whitish-gray to brownish-black. Helvella acetabulum is a saprobic fungus, playing a vital role in breaking down organic matter in forest ecosystems. It is often found in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in areas with abundant leaf litter or woody debris. This fungus has a wide geographic distribution, spanning across North America, Europe, and Asia. In some regions, it is more commonly found at higher elevations. The fruiting bodies of H. acetabulum typically appear from late summer to autumn, depending on the region and local climate conditions. The spores of Helvella acetabulum are elliptical, hyaline, and contain multiple oil droplets. They measure approximately 18-22 x 10-12 micrometers in size. Ascospores are produced in asci, which are sac-like structures within the fruiting body, and are forcibly discharged into the air for dispersal. Although the Vinegar Cup is not considered poisonous, it is generally regarded as inedible due to its tough, leathery texture and unappealing taste. There is limited information regarding the chemical compounds present in H. acetabulum, but similar species within the Helvellaceae family are known to contain various secondary metabolites. Helvella acetabulum has not been extensively studied for its potential medicinal properties, but research on related species suggests that some members of the Helvellaceae family may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial activities. It is essential to accurately identify H. acetabulum, as some other cup fungi within the Helvellaceae family can be toxic.