Species details
Fairy inkcap
Coprinellus disseminatus
Extra caution required
Photo: Nativeplants garden · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A very small grey-brown inkcap growing in massive groups on decaying or buried wood.
Identification features
The cap is strongly pleated, bell-shaped and only a few centimetres wide; it deliquesces less than many inkcaps.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A very small grey-brown inkcap growing in massive groups on decaying or buried wood. The cap is strongly pleated, bell-shaped and only a few centimetres wide; it deliquesces less than many inkcaps. Typical habitat: On stumps, dead roots and buried wood, often in hundreds of fruitbodies.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Coprinellus micaceus, Parasola plicatilis. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.
Habitat
On stumps, dead roots and buried wood, often in hundreds of fruitbodies.
Fruiting period
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November