what is this alien life form?!

[boxofdelights]

Do you see the tiny cups packed with shiny black pebbles?



You can click through for a closer look.



I had a lot of trees cut down last year. These fungi are springing up where the stumps remain underground.



You can also see some of the many tree seedlings -- Chinese elm, green ash, and boxelder -- that think it is their time in the sun.

Comments

[luzula]

They are some species in the fungus family Nidulariaceae, which are called bird's nest fungi or splash cups in English. In Swedish we call them bread basket fungi. They are feeding on the decomposing wood underground.

[boxofdelights]

Thank you! It does look like a bread basket, with some shiny round pumpernickel loaves.