Coprinus
From Freepedia
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| Image:Coprinus comatus 031111w.jpg Coprinus comatus Shaggy Ink Cap | ||||||||||||
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The genus Coprinus (commonly known as Ink caps) is a group of basidiomycete fungi, having the principal characteristic that the gills deliquesce (turn to ink) at maturity. The spore colour varies from blackish brown to black.
There are many species of Coprinus, but the only good edible one is C. comatus (the Shaggy Ink Cap) which must be eaten very young. C. atramentarius (the Common Ink Cap) and C. micaceus (the Glistening Ink Cap) may possibly also be eaten but provoke cardiovascular problems if alcohol is drunk with them or even if it is consumed up to several days later.
Many of these species like well-fertilized ground and some grow directly on dung (which is the meaning of the Latin name Coprinus). On the other hand, there are also some which grow on wood.
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Principal species
Coprinus atramentarius, the Common Ink Cap
Like many ink caps Coprinus atramentarius grows in tufts. It is associated with buried wood and is found in meadows, disturbed ground, and open terrain.
The cap, a greyish or brownish grey colour, is furrowed and later splits. The very crowded gills are whitish at first but rapidly turn black and easily deliquesce. It is toxic with alcohol, containing a toxin (coprine) which blocks degradation of alcohol in the liver for several days. In the past, actual drawing ink was made from these mushrooms.
French: Coprin noir d'encre, Dutch: Kale inktzwam
Coprinus comatus, the Shaggy Ink Cap or Lawyer's Wig
The Shaggy Ink Cap is easily recognizable from its cap which initially covers almost the whole of its stem. Entirely white to begin with, the cap becomes shaggy as separating scales develop. The gills change rapidly from white to pink, then to black. It is deliquescent, but less so than the previous species. It grows in groups in places which are often unexpected, such as green areas in towns. When young it is an excellent edible mushroom provided that it is eaten soon after being collected (it keeps very badly).
French: Coprin chevelu, German: Schopftintling, Dutch: Geschubde inktzwam
Coprinus micaceus, the Glistening Ink Cap
This mushroom grows in tufts and its dimensions are smaller than those of the two preceding species. Its very striate cap has an ochraceous colour which makes it easily identifiable. Its summit carries the fine sparkling granules which earned it its common and scientific names.
French: Coprin micacé, Dutch: Gewone glimmerinktzwam
Coprinus picaceus, the Magpie Fungus
Unlike the others, this one is generally solitary. Its blackish brown cap is covered with a white veil which cracks apart to leave white patches. It has an unpleasant smell of bitumen or indole.
French: Coprin blanc et noir, German: Spechttintling
References
- Translated from the French page and Dutch pages.
- Pierre Montarnal : Le petit guide : Champignons (Genève, 1964; Paris-Hachette, 1969).
- Régis Courtecuisse, Bernard Duhem : Guide des champignons de France et d'Europe (Delachaux & Niestlé, 1994-2000). ISBN 2-603-00953-2
- Roger Phillips : Mushrooms and other fungi of Great Britain and Europe (Pan Books Ltd. 1981 / Book Club Associates 1981) - for the English names.
