1/2/11: Barnehurst Bird's-nest fungi

These Cyathus (family Nidulariaceae), are known as bird's nest fungi, since they resemble small bird's nests filled with 'eggs' - technically known as peridioles - which contain reproductive spores. They often grow on woody debris, as here, where there were unrotted twigs in material dug out of my compost heap and used to grow some Cabbages in a large pot.


The above picture was taken on 13th December with the 'eggs' still in place


This shot was taken on 1st February, by which time the 'eggs' had all been splashed out of the cups by raindrops.