One of the most ubiquitous fungi is the domicile cup fungus (Peziza domiciliana), a member of the large family Pezizaceae in the fungal class Ascomycota. The fruiting body is a cup-shaped ascocarp, morphologically the same structure produced by the fungal symbiont (mycobiont) of lichens and many other fungi. Spores are produced in a microscopic sac-like structure called an ascus, a unique structure found in cup fungi, yeast, leaf-curl fungi, truffles and many lichenized fungi called lichens.

Domicile cup fungi often occur in groups or they may be solitary. According to David Arora (Mushrooms Demystified, 1986), this remarkable fungus grows on an astonishing variety of substrates, including plaster, cement, sand, gravel, coal dust, fireplace ashes, etc. It can be found in cellars, greenhouses, shower stalls, damp closets, under porches, on wet rugs, behind refrigerators, around leaky water beds and David Arora's car.

The original ascocarps of domicile cup fungus (Peziza domiciliana) are somewhat cup-shaped when young. Older specimens become flattened or wavy (undulate), with a central depression and a short umbilicate stalk. They are fleshy and fragile, and rather difficult to remove in one piece.

Like other mushrooms of the fungal class Basidiomycota, members of the genus Coprinus have a variously shaped fruiting body (basidiocarp) with a spore-bearing head or cap on a slender stalk. What makes inky cap fungi of the genus Coprinus especially interesting is the self-digesting caps. Species in the genus Coprinus (also known as shaggy mane mushrooms) exhibit deliquescence, a phenomenon in which digestive enzymes dissolve the cap into a black, inklike fluid. You can actually write on paper with this black liquid. During the digestive process, the gills become curled back and more exposed, possibly aiding in the wind dispersal of spores.

What made the fungal encounter of Diane & Jim so fascinating is that it pushed through the ceiling of a condo in Dana Point, CA. I think their explanation of this strange phenomenon is a great description:

The process by which plant tissue expands in tight places involves water uptake through osmosis and imbibition, and an overall increase in size by cell division. Like a living, expanding wedge driven deeper and deeper into the crack, the opening is literally forced apart by tremendous pressures. Even a relatively soft-bodied puffball fungus can produce enough force to push through a thick layer of asphalt.

Fungi have some of the most bizarre shapes of any creature on this planet. Some fungi have established an association (marriage) with algae and are called lichens. Some species are absolutely delicious; however, make sure you can identify the species because some are poisonous. Never Eat A Wild Mushroom Unless You Can Positively Identify It! Animals have complex organ systems and anatomy, but fungi have much more complex life cycles involving different kinds of spores and alternate hosts. Some schools, such as Oregon State University, have large mycology departments and are conducting state of the art molecular research on fungi.

Overindulging on a fresh harvest of "King Bolete" Boletus edulis in Oregon many years ago. I once found another mushroom on Palomar Mountain with Elaine called Satan's Bolete. At first I thought it might be edible, but the name Satan in its common name gives you reason to hesitate. It has been moved from the genus Boletus to Rubroboletus and it is poisonous. Eating this mushroom could definitely spoil your fun day in the mountains!