Coprinus comatus

Coprinus comatus, also known as the shaggy ink cap or lawyer's wig, is a common fungus often seen growing on lawns, along gravel roads and waste areas. The young fruit bodies first appear as white cylinders emerging from the ground, then the bell-shaped caps open out. The caps are white, and covered with scales—this is the origin of the common names of the fungus. The gills beneath the cap are white, then pink, then turn black and secrete a black liquid filled with spores (hence the "ink cap" name). This mushroom is unusual because it will turn black and dissolve itself in a matter of hours after being picked or depositing spores.

Taxonomy

The Coprinus comatus belongs to the genus Coprinus in the family Agaricaceae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, and it still bears its original name.

Description

The Coprinus comatus is a tall, white, and shaggy mushroom that can grow up to 30 cm high. The cap is initially egg-shaped before it opens, after which it becomes bell-shaped, with a diameter of up to 5 cm. The cap is covered with a layer of woolly scales, which gives the mushroom its characteristic appearance.

Distribution and habitat

The Coprinus comatus is a widely distributed species, found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is commonly found in grassy areas such as lawns, parks, and fields, as well as along roadsides and in waste areas. It is a saprophyte, deriving nutrients from dead organic material.

Edibility

The Coprinus comatus is an edible mushroom, and is considered a delicacy when young. However, it must be consumed shortly after collection, as it auto-digests very quickly. It is also important to cook this mushroom thoroughly, as it can cause mild symptoms of upset stomach if eaten raw.

See also

• List of Coprinus species
• Mushroom hunting
• Mushroom cultivation