Plant Guide > Mushrooms > Genus Coprinus > Coprinus Micaceus

Coprinus Micaceus

Coprinus micaceus

Glistening Coprinus

Cap or Pileus - Ovate, then bell-shaped. Striations radiating from near the centre of the disk to the margin. Glistening mica-like scales cover undisturbed young specimens. 1-2 inches broad. Colour tan, light buff, or tawny yellow.

Stem or Stipe - Slender, smooth, fragile, white, hollow. 1-3 inches long.

Ring or Annulus - Rarely seen except in very young specimens.

Gills or Lamellae - Not as crowded as in the ink cap and shaggy mane. Colour white, then tinged with pinkish or purplish brown, finally black.

Spores - Brown, elliptical.

Flesh - A nutty flavour when raw. In wet weather it melts to an inky fluid. In dry weather it may dry with all parts well preserved.

Time - Common during spring and early autumn.

The glistening coprinus is small and beautiful, and grows in clusters on decaying woods, stumps, or buried roots.