The Bulgariaceae are a small family of saprotrophic, wood-inhabiting ascomycetes producing dark, gelatinous to rubbery apothecia on decaying hardwoods in moist forest. In New Zealand they are represented chiefly by Bulgaria, with fruitbodies forming blackish, disc- to cup-shaped cushions that are soft and jelly-like when fresh, later becoming firm or shrivelled. The hymenium is exposed; unitunicate asci contain hyaline, ellipsoid spores. Species occur mainly on fallen logs and branches of broadleaf hosts in temperate and podocarp–broadleaf forests, contributing to late-stage wood decay. NZ diversity is low but distinctive, with Bulgaria inquinans the most frequently encountered taxon.