Bulgaria inquinans

Scientific name:  Bulgaria inquinans Fries
Derivation of name:  Inquinans means "polluting" or
"staining" perhaps in reference to the dark color of this
fungus.
Synonyms: Phaeobulgaria inquinans  
Common name(s):  Black jelly drops; Poor man's
licorice
Phylum:   Ascomycota
Order:   Helotiales
Family:   Bulgariaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate: Saprobic; solitary to
clustered on decaying hardwoods, especially oak;
summer through fall.  
Dimensions: 1-4 cm wide, about as high; rounded to
shallow cup-shaped, becoming flat topped at maturity.   
Sterile outer surface:  Blackish-brown to brown and rough.
Fertile inner surface:  Black, smooth, and shiny.
Edibility: Unknown  
More information at RogersMushrooms.com:   

    

Figure 1. Typical specimens of Bulgaria inquinans on wood.
Photo © William Roody.

Figure 2. Black jelly drops. Photo © Brian Shelton.