Black Bulgar - Bulgaria inquinans

This fungus grows in groups on fallen timber. It starts off as black flat-topped discs, the margins brownish, tightly inrolled when young, and gradually becomes more cup-shaped up to 4cm across. It has a rubbery texture. Black spores are produced on the upper surfaces and if rubbed they blacken the finger.  This distinguishes them from the very similar Witches Butter.

On the dead wood of deciduous trees, especially Oak

It is seen in winter but can persist until March

Widespread and fairly common in Britain

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.