Species details
Fluted bird’s nest
Cyathus striatus
Inedible
Photo: Holger Krisp · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A tiny bird’s-nest fungus with a longitudinally fluted inner wall and small spore-containing “eggs”.
Identification features
The fruitbody is initially closed by a whitish membrane and later opens into a cup. It is dark brown and hairy outside, shiny grey and clearly fluted inside, with no stem.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A tiny bird’s-nest fungus with a longitudinally fluted inner wall and small spore-containing “eggs”. The fruitbody is initially closed by a whitish membrane and later opens into a cup. It is dark brown and hairy outside, shiny grey and clearly fluted inside, with no stem. On decaying wood, leaf litter and other plant debris; possible throughout the year.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with: Cyathus olla, Cyathus stercoreus. A single feature or photograph is not sufficient for reliable identification.
Habitat
On decaying wood, leaf litter and other plant debris; possible throughout the year.
Fruiting period
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Similar species
- Field bird's nest (Cyathus olla)
- Cyathus stercoreus