Spring Hazelcup - Encoelia furfuracea

Occurring as individuals, or in clusters of tightly closed cups with a scurfy outer surface. These cups open up to reveal a smooth, fertile, inner surface from which the spores are released. Eventually, the cups can flatten out completely to about 1.5cm across, although some of them retain an enclosed form.

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Associated with Hazel, Alder, and possibly Hornbeam.

Can be found in most months of the year.

Widespread.  Most records cone from the southern half of Britain, but it has been recorded in the north of Scotland.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.