Nidulariaceae

Nidulariaceae is a family of basidiomycete fungi in the order Nidulariales, within the class Agaricomycetes. Members of this family are commonly known as bird's nest fungi, a name derived from their distinctive small, cup- or nest-shaped fruiting bodies that contain “eggs” called peridioles.

Genera in the family include Cyathus, Nidula, Nidularia, and Crucibulum. Nidulariaceae are saprotrophic, growing on decaying plant matter such as wood debris, leaf litter, or garden mulch. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, being found worldwide, with higher diversity in temperate regions.

Morphology and development: The fruiting body is typically a small, hollow cup or nest with a rough or smooth outer peridium. Inside are rows of peridioles, each a tiny, disk- or oval-shaped unit that contains spores and a protective outer layer. The peridioles are often embedded in a gelatinous matrix within the nest. The overall appearance resembles a miniature bird’s nest filled with eggs.

Dispersal and life cycle: Rain splash dispersal is characteristic of Nidulariaceae. When raindrops strike the nest, peridioles are ejected and may adhere to nearby vegetation or substrate. After deposition, the peridioles germinate under suitable conditions to initiate a new cycle of mycelial growth and fruiting body formation.

Ecology and significance: Nidulariaceae play a role in the decomposition of organic material and nutrient cycling. They are not typically edible and have limited economic importance, but they are of interest for studying spore dispersal mechanisms and fungal biodiversity.