Coprinus

atramentarius
comatus
micaceus
picaceus
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. On the other hand, there are also some which grow on wood.

Principal species

Coprinus atramentarius, the Common Ink Cap

Like many ink caps Coprinus atramentarius grows in tufts. 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.

References

• Translated from the French page .
• 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.