| Pseudoplectania nigrella | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Pezizomycetes |
| Order: | Pezizales |
| Family: | Sarcosomataceae |
| Genus: | Pseudoplectania |
| Species: | P. nigrella
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudoplectania nigrella | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Crouania nigrella (Pers.) Hazsl. | |
Pseudoplectania nigrella, commonly known as the ebony cup, the black false plectania, or the hairy black cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcosomataceae. The fruit bodies of this saprobic fungus are small blackish cups, typically up to 2 cm (3⁄4 in) broad.
P. nigrella has a worldwide distribution, and has been found in North America, the Caribbean, Eurasia, Madagascar, and New Zealand. It grows in groups on soil or mossy rotting wood, often amongst pine needles. The fungus produces a unique chemical compound, plectasin, that has attracted research interest for its ability to inhibit the growth of the common human pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.