Common Inkcap

[10 Bears]

I just spotted these this morning. What drew my attention to them was the size, as from a distance I knew they were quite big.

 

It was easy to tell they were from the ink cap family, but in all honesty, despite their name, I also knew I hadn't spotted them before. A little bit of research tells me why...

 

Apparently for Common Ink Caps (Coprinus atramentarius), these are what you would call pristine specimens as the 'deliquescence' process, where the fungi putrefies - turns to ink, happens within 24 hours or so from emerging. So, its a case of blink and you'll miss it. They are common from the perspective that they have a wide distribution across Europe, but personally speaking, not common to me as I have only ever seen Shaggy Ink Caps before as obviously these are more persistent.

 

These are best considered poisonous because of the very unpleasant and dangerous reactions in conjunction with alcohol even when the alcohol has been consumed some time previously. Some people may get nasty reactions in absence of alcohol. Symptoms include, redness in face, swelling and skin itching which seems relatively minor, but in some people, can cause heart attacks! Best not to have in the mushroom risotto with a nice bottle of red then...

 

Anyhow, if you have seen these before - fair enough. New to me through, so I thought I would share...