Pseudoplectania nigrella, also known as the Ebony Cup, is a small, dark cup fungus that stands out with its deep black, goblet-shaped fruiting bodies. When fresh, the surface is velvety and black, gradually becoming smoother and sometimes slightly lighter with age. This species is saprobic, and is found growing in groups on the ground or on moss-covered decaying wood, especially amongst fallen pine needles. It is typically found in both deciduous and coniferous woodlands, often in early spring.

Fruiting body apothecial with an upper (hymenial) surface that is black, often showing bluish or violaceous tinges. The surface is smooth, while the outer (lower) side is similarly colored, finely felty, and crusty around the rim. Initially deeply cup-shaped, it becomes more flattened as it matures. The fruiting body is sessile. The flesh is blackish, brittle, and moderately firm. Spore print brownish-black.

Microscopic Features: The spores are round, smooth, translucent (hyaline), and have diameters of about 12–14 μm. They are filled with many small oil droplets.

Pseudoplectania nigrella on mykoweb.com Web site.