The ultrastructure of the apical apparatus in asci of three species of the Ombrophiloideae (Leotiaceae) is compared. Ombrophila violacea and Neobulgaria pura show similarities in morphology and maturation pattern of the apical apparatus, suggesting a close relation between these species. In these respects and in development of the ascospore wall Bulgaria inquinans differs considerably from O. violacea and N. pura.