Ascomycetes are a large and diverse group of fungi that create spores inside a microscopic sac. They are identified by this unique spore-producing structure, which is often contained within larger, visible cup or flask-like fruiting bodies.

Name: White Saddle Helvella crispa

Description: Creamy-white fungus that has a wax-like texture and usually appears with a very distorted cap.

Habitat: Found near the woodland paths in leaf litter during autumn. Associated with hornbeam and holly.

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Name: Elfin Saddle Helvella lacunosa

Description: Lead-grey, with caps, 2 - 4cm across, that are often distorted. This fungus stands 4 - 10cm tall.

Habitat: Found in leaf litter of broadleaf trees. Has a preference for rich soil and burnt ground.

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Name: Short-haired Disco Lachnum brevipilosum

Description: Tiny, white caps and stipes. The name refers to the short hairs that are visible on the apothecia (cup-shaped fruiting bodies). 

Habitat: Saprobic fungus with very tiny fruiting bodies that grow in large groups underneath rotten logs.

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Name: Common Eyelash Scutellinia scutellata

Description: Tiny saprophytic fungus, <=4mm across, with eyelashes around the edge of its orange cups.

Habitat:  Grows on well-rotted wood in damp habitats.

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Name: Greater Toothed Cup Tazzeta catinus

Description: The tiny caps, 1.5 to 5cm across, are often gregarious. True identification is near impossible without microscopic examination due to similar species.

Habitat: Found on soil, rotten wood and woodchips. Associated with beech and hornbeam.

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Name: Glazed Cup Humaria hemisphaerica

Description: Tiny cup fungus, 20 - 30mm across. The brown outer surface is covered entirely in stiff, brown hairs.

Habitat:  Has a preference for soil and rotten hardwood.

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Name: Orange Peel Fungus Aleuria aurantia

Description: The bright orange cups often resemble orange peel. Its cups, 1 - 4cm across, are often misshapen due to being crowded together with other fruiting bodies.

Habitat: Found on disturbed soil near woodland paths with a preference for exposed locations. As well as Hainault Forest, this species has also be seen in All Saints Graveyard at Chigwell Row.

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