Hi, I found this small species in Malta which I think it is Smardaea planchonis, characterised with shallow cupulate violetish-black ascocarps growing from limestone-clayey soil close to pine trees.

Some basic features:

Ascocarps: 7-15mm  wide
Ascum average size: 165.7 µm x 12.3 µm
Iodine reaction to Ascum tips: J-
Spore average size: 9 µm x 8.9 µm

The differences I observed from the type are:
- Paraphyses are sometimes lobed or even branched
- Spores a bit smaller (but within the range)
- Asci shorter

Just a question: Why I can't see the operculum? IS there a particular technique to see it or it just drops off?