The scarlet elf cup's bright red appearance stands out in the leaf litter and damp woodland floors. The striking colour of the cups - often likened to tiny, delicate chalices - is a result of the pigments in their cell walls, which protect the fungus from ultraviolet light.

The scarlet elf cup is relatively small, with the cup-shaped fruiting body measuring only a few centimetres across. The cups can range from deep crimson to bright scarlet, with a smooth inner surface that contrasts with their slightly fuzzy, pale exterior. Their small size means they are often hidden among fallen leaves and moss, making them a rewarding find for those who take the time to look closely.

These fungi play an essential role in breaking down organic matter, particularly decaying wood, and recycling nutrients in the forest. By decomposing fallen branches and logs, they help release nutrients back into the soil, enriching the woodland ecosystem and supporting new plant growth. This process benefits not only trees and other fungi but also insects and microorganisms that rely on decaying wood as a food source.

Fungi belong to their own kingdom and get their nutrients and energy from organic matter, rather than photosynthesis like plants. It is often just the fruiting bodies, or 'mushrooms', that are visible to us, arising from an unseen network of tiny filaments called 'hyphae'. These fruiting bodies produce spores for reproduction, although fungi can also reproduce asexually by fragmentation.

The scarlet elf cup has a mysterious and fascinating life cycle. While the fruiting bodies are visible only for a short period, typically from February to March, the fungus itself is active all year, as the mycelium (the vegetative part) lies dormant in the soil or rotting wood. The fruiting bodies form as the fungus seeks to reproduce when the moisture levels and temperature are right, signalling the transition from winter to spring.

It thrives in damp, shaded environments, particularly near fallen branches, logs, and decaying wood. As the weather warms during late winter, you can find them popping up in nature reserves managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, including the iconic Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve.