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Common ink cap

Coprinopsis atramentaria

A species of Coprinopsis, Also known as Common inkcap, Tippler's bane

Common ink cap mushrooms grow in clumps from buried wood or tree stumps. They come up with such strength that they have been known to lift pavement or break through asphalt. As they age, their gills will turn black and liquefy, creating the "inky" substance for which they are named.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Common ink cap

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Attributes of Common ink cap

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

10 - 20 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 10 cm across; conical; pale gray, brownish; surface smooth, with scales

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Attached, free; close, crowded; whitish to pinkish, black

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 8 - 15 cm long, 6 - 12 mm thick; white; surface smooth or finely hairy; fibrous

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; soft; white to pale gray

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Black

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods

You can find Common ink cap by these plants:

Populus, Willows

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Meadows, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Common ink cap

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Common ink cap

The common ink cap is often found in unusual places: along roadsides, in cultivated or waste areas, in gardens and lawns, and only rarely in forests. It commonly grows on rotting wood, dung, leaf litter, and so on.

Distribution Area of Common ink cap

North America,Europe,Africa,Central and South America,Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Hunting Values of Common ink cap

Avoid drinking alcohol as it could induce alcohol tolerance.

Uses of Common ink cap

Common ink cap is a mushroom with practical culinary value when consumed responsibly. It's sought after by foragers, especially in its seasonal peak. While it can be integrated into various dishes, caution is paramount as common ink cap can cause adverse reactions when combined with alcohol. Its collection and consumption are notable among edible mushrooms but always require careful preparation and awareness of potential risks to ensure safety.

Scientific Classification of Common ink cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Coprinaceae

Genus

Coprinopsis

Toxicity and Edibility of Common ink cap

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Is Common ink cap Toxic?

The mushroom common ink cap typically thrives in moist conditions and is common during spring and fall. Consuming common ink cap can lead to various health issues like tremors, skin flushing, low blood pressure, and even anxiety. Distinguished by its ink-like gills, common ink cap is often confused with non-toxic varieties. Misidentification and consumption can cause serious discomfort.

Toxins type

Coprine

Type of poisoning

Gastrointestinal

Toxic Severity

Conditional toxicity (with alcohol)

Incubation Period

0.5-4 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Individuals may experience a range of symptoms: Inhibited ethanol breakdown, tremors, cramps, heightened sensitivity, skin flushing, low blood pressure, hot flashes, palpitations, sweating, nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, general discomfort, vision issues, panic, anxiety, difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, and rarely, coma.

Edibility of Common ink cap

Common ink cap is an edible mushroom with thin flesh and a mild taste. However, take caution when consuming this mushroom with alcohol. Though not poisonous on its own, common ink cap is incredibly dangerous when consumed with alcohol. Poisoning can occur even if alcohol is consumed three days after the mushroom is eaten.

Similar Species to Common ink cap

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Coprinopsis romagnesiana

Similar Species

Common ink cap

How to Differentiate Between Coprinopsis romagnesiana and Common ink cap?

Common ink cap: The cap is smooth or slightly grooved, grey-brown.

Coprinopsis romagnesiana: Features a distinctly scaly, grey-white cap.

Petticoat mottlegill

Similar Species

Common ink cap

How to Differentiate Between Petticoat mottlegill and Common ink cap?

Common ink cap: Silky fibers, radially streaked.

Petticoat mottlegill: Smooth, not streaked.

Common ink cap: The gills turn black and liquify upon maturing.

Petticoat mottlegill: Gills change from grey to blackish without liquifying.

Humpback inkcap

Similar Species

Common ink cap

How to Differentiate Between Humpback inkcap and Common ink cap?

Common ink cap: Typically exhibits a more bulbous and less pointy cap.

Humpback inkcap: Cap is notably more elongated and conical.

Tips for Finding Common ink cap

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When is the Best Time to Find Common ink cap

Search for common ink cap in late spring to autumn, after rainfall followed by warm weather. These conditions encourage growth, typically offering the best chances for foraging.

What are Some Tips for Finding Common ink cap

Look for common ink cap in areas with abundant decaying wood, such as stump bases.
Inspect grassy roadside verges and parklands that may have buried timber.
Search around senescent tree roots and old stumps in urban environments.
Explore the base of trees in parks and gardens, focusing on wooded areas.
Check the sides of paths in mixed woodlands for potential fruiting bodies.

How to Clean and Preserve Common ink cap

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How to Clean Common ink cap

To clean common ink cap, gently brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush. If necessary, briefly rinse with cool water, but avoid soaking as this can cause them to become too saturated and disintegrate. Handle with care to maintain integrity.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Common ink cap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

3 - 6 months

Blanching before freezing: Heat briefly to inactivate enzymes, then cool rapidly before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Common ink cap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 5 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store mushrooms in paper bags to allow air circulation and moisture absorption, reducing spoilage.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Layer mushrooms between paper towels and cover with perforated plastic wrap to maintain freshness while avoiding moisture buildup.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Line a container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, placing mushrooms in a single layer if possible.