Erlenzäpfchen-Becherling

Ciboria viridifusca is a saprotrophic discomycete in the family Sclerotiniaceae, found in temperate Europe. It produces small, stalked cup-shaped fruiting bodies with an olive-brown to greenish-brown (viridifusca: green-brown) coloration, which distinguishes it from other members of the genus with more uniformly tan or chestnut coloration. The species fruits on fallen catkins or other plant debris in moist deciduous woodland, typically in spring or early summer following the fall of host plant material. It is classified as Least Concern, indicating stable populations within its European range. Ciboria viridifusca contributes to saprotrophic communities in woodland ecosystems, decomposing fine organic litter and participating in the cycling of carbon and nutrients. Like other Ciboria species, it is a specialist saprotroph closely tied to the availability of suitable host plant substrates. Identification requires microscopic examination, and this species may be confused with related taxa without careful analysis of spore dimensions and color. The genus Ciboria is part of the broader Sclerotiniaceae family, which is well-studied owing to its inclusion of economically important plant pathogens, though the Ciboria species themselves are benign decomposers. Records of this fungus are scattered across central Europe, and accurate distribution mapping requires systematic mycological surveys. Conservation of mature deciduous woodland benefits discomycete diversity broadly.