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Coprinus plicatilis

 
Commonly referred to as the Fairy Parasol, and sometimes as the Japanese Umbrella, Coprinus plicatilis is a very delicate member of the ink cap family. It occurs in short grass.

Identification guide

Cap

The cap of Coprinus plicatilis has a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, is heavily ribbed, and initially egg-shaped, then convex and finally flat.

A distinctive tawny central 'eye' contrasts with the rest of the pale grey cap.

Gills

The white gills turn grey and then black; they radiate from a collar around the top of the stem. and are thin and quite well spaced.

Unlike most ink caps, this delicate little fungus has a cap that flattens and then shrivels rather than its gills deliquescing (turning to a black inky liquid).

Stipe

Up to 6 cm long, but only 4 or 5 mm diameter and very fragile; faintly fibrilose; white or dingy cream becoming slightly brownish at the base.

Spore print

Black.

Odour/taste

Not distinctive.

Habitat

In short grass on lawns and sometimes in parks and meadows, usually in small groups.

Season

May to November.

Occurrence

Frequent.

Similar species

  1. Coprinus kuehnerii is more orange-brown but otherwise very similar in macroscopic appearance; it is commonly found on the edge of woodland.
First Nature Multimedia Guide to Fungi
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