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Fungi identification -- Coprinus
from Fungimap News No. 3, December 1996
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Defining characteristics: Coprinus (inky caps) have gills that
deliquesce when mature. A black spore print is the other main identification
feature. Note: The gills turn into a black liquid (hence the common name) when
mature. In doing so, this allows the edge of the cap to curl, exposing the
spores to the wind -- while many are dropped onto the ground as part of the
ink, many millions are still blown away by the wind.
Volva: may or may not be present
Gill attachment: free to adnate.
Gills: crowded and parallel sided and deliquesce when mature.
Stipe: attached centrally to the cap, is tough and generally does not
have a ring.
Cap: Conical when young, expands as it matures. Many have strong radial
grooves on the cap. A young cap may be covered by a thick woolly veil that
leaves behind felty scales, and some species will have no veil.
Other characteristics: This fungus has a black spore print.
Habitat: As the name implies, many species are found on dung. However,
they can also be found on wood or in grass, usually associated with decaying
matter. Cleland suggests that this species was not present in Australia before
European settlement. However, while about two hundred species are known world
wide, only thirteen are known in Australia, Arora suggests that it is difficult
to study this group as it is so "ephemeral (sometimes only lasting a few
hours)...".
Name meanings: Copr means dung and inus means belonging to.
Dangers The genus is famous for the effect some species can have when
combined with alcohol, which is similar to Antabuse. It has a disulfrum-like
compound that reacts with alcohol to make one feel very sick. If you regularly
indulge in alcohol, steer clear of this mushroom.
While it is reported many species are edible it is also reported that some
species in the genus are poisonous.
Last modified on 24 September 1998
Maintained by Mike McBain
Copyright © 1998 Fungimap