Mushiis in Motion: "Ebony Cup" Pseudoplectania Nigrella

The ebony cup (Pseudoplectania nigrella) is a sac fungus (ascomycete) known for its deep black color and overall cup-like shape. The periphery of the cap is highly incurved when young, gradually expanding with age. When dry and mature, the exterior may appear dark brown, due to the presence of minute brown setae or hairs. Additional common names include hairy black cup and black false plectania. The fruit bodies of this saprobic fungus are small blackish cups, typically up to 2 cm broad, that grow in groups on soil, often amongst pine needles and short grass near coniferous trees.