Hello,

This small discomycete occurs on overwintered leaves of Alnus viridis on my property.  It is never abundant, but I found it in May, 2009 and again this year.  The apothecia look like little brown clams on top of a stalk.  When it is moist the "clam" opens to expose the white hymenium, similar to what species of Lophodermium do, and when it is dry they close again.

Some asci appear to detatch from their croziers and float free but I am not sure if that always happens.  I have been unable to identify it.  It has some similarities to members of the Caliciales, but the habitat and ascus apex seem wrong for that group.  Do any of you recognize this fungus?

Dave