Otidea bufonia - Отидея жабья - Toad's Ear - Krötenohr 9/21/22
Otidea bufonia, commonly known as Toad's Ear or Krötenohr in German, is an ear-shaped cup fungus that belongs to the family Pyronemataceae. It is characterized by its unique shape, which resembles a toad's ear, and its brownish to ochre color.
The fruiting bodies of O. bufonia can grow up to 4-10 cm tall and 2-6 cm wide, with a deep, longitudinal split along one side. The inner surface is usually smooth and lighter in color than the outer surface, which is covered in short, downy hairs.
Otidea bufonia typically grows on soil in deciduous and mixed forests, often near rotting wood or in mossy, shaded areas. It prefers well-drained soils rich in humus and is usually found from late summer to autumn.
The distribution of Toad's Ear spans across Europe, North America, and Asia, although it is considered to be relatively uncommon.
Otidea bufonia's spores are ellipsoid, smooth, and measure about 12-18 x 6-9 µm. They are produced in asci, which are sac-like structures within the apothecium containing the spores.
The chemistry of O. bufonia has not been extensively studied, but it is assumed to contain various secondary metabolites common to the Pyronemataceae family.
While not considered toxic, Otidea bufonia is generally regarded as inedible due to its tough, rubbery texture and lack of culinary value.
Identification of O. bufonia can be challenging due to its similarity to other Otidea species, such as Otidea onotica, which has a more reddish-brown color.
Research on Otidea bufonia is limited, and further studies are needed to better understand its ecology, distribution, and potential uses.
Conservation efforts for O. bufonia should focus on preserving the habitats in which it is found, as some populations might be threatened by habitat loss and environmental degradation.
Proper identification of Otidea bufonia and other similar species is essential for ecological research and for foragers interested in collecting cup fungi.
Otidea bufonia - Отидея жабья - Toad's Ear - Krötenohr