Chlorociboria Aeruginascens

Chlorociboria aeruginascens, known as the Green Elfcup, is a tiny but visually stunning fungus recognized for its vivid turquoise color. While the fruiting bodies are small and often overlooked, this species stains the wood it grows on into a brilliant blue-green — a material historically prized by woodworkers and artists.

Basic Information:
  • Common name: Green Elfcup
  • Scientific name: Chlorociboria aeruginascens
  • Also known as: Green Wood Cup Fungus
  • Distinguishing features: Small turquoise cup-shaped fruiting bodies (1–5 mm); produces blue-green pigmented wood known as “green oak” or “blue wood”
Ecology & Distribution:
  • Habitat: Decaying hardwood, especially oak and beech
  • Ecological role: Saprobic — stains and decomposes dead wood
  • Distribution: Europe, North America, Asia, Australia
  • Season: Mostly summer to autumn, but the stained wood persists year-round
Toxicity:
  • Not edible — too small and insignificant as food
  • No known toxicity, but not consumed
  • Highly valued for woodcraft rather than culinary use
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