Cup size, range, the tough context and “hairy, grayish-black outer surface” lead me to this identification, as that seemed to match well with the visual inspection. A criterion that gives me pause is exactly how “hairy” this species is in comparison with S. mexicanum. (Comments above have been edited to include cup size, and additional photo added.)
My reference listed S. mexicanum as having, “a stout, wrinkled stalk.” I brought a single piece of material home for further ID (no longer retained). The stalk was smooth, as in the photo.
The same reference described S. latahense as “gelatinous at first, becoming tough.” The cup was entirely rubbery and tough, with no jelly.
Lacking a picture of a cross-section, are there other discriminatory characteristics that would swing ID one way or the other?
