Aleuria aurantia

The Orange Peel Fungus (Aleuria aurantia) is a widespread ascomycete fungus in the order Pezizales. The brilliant orange, cup-shaped ascocarps often resemble orange peels strewn on the ground, giving this species its common name.

Description
The orange peel fungus has no stem, and sits directly on the ground. The fruiting bodies are concave at first, but quickly become irregular, with the edges becoming wavy. The whole fungus is a striking orange, darker on the upper surface, where the ascospores are produced. The lower (outer) surface is paler, and clothed with downy hairs. The ascospores are hyaline, and are forcibly ejected from the asci that line the cup. The ornamented surfaces of the ascospores distinguish Aleuria species from other genera of orange cup fungi. Aleuria aurantia is edible but not recommended, because it may be confused with Otidea or Caloscypha species that are poisonous or of unknown edibility.

Distribution and habitat
The orange peel fungus grows on bare clay or disturbed soil throughout North America. Aleuria aurantia fruits mainly in late summer and autumn.