The present interesting ephiphytic fungus, although probably abundant in New Zealand, has not hitherto been noticed as occurring there in any scientific work. The genus Cyttaria, to which it belongs, is supposed to be limited in distribution to South America and Tasmania, where two species are known and used as food. They are always found epiphytic on species of Fagus or beech, and will probably be found wherever this family is abundant.
The internal cavity of this fungus has always been found empty; yet it is probable that in the earlier stages of the plant it may be filled with a gelatinous fluid, which is afterwards absorbed or dried up. This can only be proved by an examination of numerous specimens in different stages of growth.