Cyathus
Striped Expensive Ling ( Cyathus striatus)
The Expensive Linge ( Cyathus ), also called bread basket or bird's nest fungi, are a fungal genus of the family of mushroom relatives. Previously they were assigned to the now no longer valid family of nestling relatives ( Nidulariaceae ).
The type species is the Striped Expensive Ling ( Cyathus striatus).
Features
The young egg-shaped and later cup or nest -shaped fruiting bodies with a 3-layer wall. At the top they are first with a cuticle ( Epiphragma ) closed, the tears in the course of maturation. Inside are several peridioles. These spores packages are initially attached with a Myzelstrang ( funiculus ) at the bottom of the fruit body. Finally, the funiculus is resolved slimy at the base.
On the distribution strategy of Expensive Linge, there are several hypotheses. Widely used is the " splash cup - thesis ". It says that the peridioles be thrown through raindrops from the fruiting body. The sticky Funiculi wrap, for example, blades of grass and twigs in the area. The hanging thereon spores packages tear and can make better use of this elevated position, the air movement to spread the spores. The peridioles of species on dung consumption by animals in the diet and so pass through the intestine.
In the "seed - mimicry hypothesis ", however small birds play the decisive role. The spore packets resemble plant seeds and entice the animals to pick them and swallow. After the passage of the digestive tract, the spores are eventually excreted in the feces. In this way, the spores can overcome barriers such as large bodies of water and mountains. For this theory says the detection of free spores and hyphae of the Peridiolenwände in the excretions of canaries. Also the factor of " Peridiolenschleuderers " is considered: On foraging birds scrape the ground and hurl it spurs packets from itself. In addition peridioles can adhere to the feet that get an "air freight " to other locations.
Species delimitation
Similarly, the closely related genus, the crucible Expensive Linge ( Crucibulum ). However, the fruit bodies have a one -layer wall, Myzelstränge simpler construction and yellow, lid-like Epiphragma.
Ecology
The Expensive Linge are Saprobionten which grow on wood and plant debris.
Species
In Central Europe, five species occur or are expected there:
Cyathus pygmaeus
Dung- Expensive Ling Cyathus stercoreus
Striped Expensive Ling Cyathus striatus
Importance
The German name of the genus is attributed to the fact that farmers indicated the Peridolen as coins and feared in wet years, with frequent occurrence of these fungi, price rises. The English name "bird 's nest fungus " refers to the similarity of the fruit bodies with bird nests.