Sarcosphaera coronaria. A grayish rubbery (in appearance) egg shape forms only to break open and reveal a beautiful purple interior. It's like the geode of fungi! So beautiful. This is another great example of a species that just stunned me with its unique features when I was researching new forms to create. As if there's a species of fungi that doesn't have that result.

According to Wikipedia, it grows in the mountains within coniferous forests, forming underneath humus on the forest floor and often appearing after the snow begins to melt away. It can also apparently bioaccumulate toxic chemicals such as arsenic. I wonder if it may be cultivated for bioremediation? It's amazing what nature can do.

I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine yarn for this phase, which was so graciously provided to me by Berroco. Just a couple of phases are left to create from the stash they sent me, on top of the 20 forms left to complete the series. Violet crown cup utilized the Steel Cut Oats and Lavender Mix color ways. No matter the gauge of Ultra Alpaca used, one of my favorite parts of this yarn (besides the softness) is the stitch definition. I use it for so many projects!

This structure was knitted as part of my 52 Forms of Fungi project. Check out more of the forms from this project.