Field bird's nest fungus

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Cyathus olla

Field bird's nest fungus, a reference photo
Photo: Versteeg · CC BY-SA 3.0 (licence)

Cyathus olla also known as the field bird's nest is a species of saprobic fungus in the genus Cyathus of the family Nidulariaceae. The fruit bodies resemble tiny bird's nests filled with "eggs" – spore-containing structures called peridioles. Like other bird's nest fungi, C. olla relies on the force of falling water to dislodge peridioles from fruiting bodies to eject and disperse their spores. The life cycle of this fungus allows it to reproduce both sexually, with meiosis, and asexually via spores. It is a relatively common fungus, with a worldwide distribution.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Field bird's nest fungus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Nidulariaceae
Genus
Cyathus
Species
Cyathus olla

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