Magpie Inkcap

Magpie Inkcap Coprinus picaceus (Bull.) Gray (illustrated 35% life size) Cap 5–8cm high, cylindrical-ovate to conical, broadly bell-shaped when expanded; white then sepia-grey, finally black covered in white to clay-pink patches of veil remnant. Stem 90–300×6–15mm, with woolly, bulbous base; white. Flesh smell unpleasant. Gills free, crowded; white then clay-pink, finally black and deliquescing. Spores 13–17×10–12¼, elliptical. Spore print black. Habitat on alkaline soil, usually in beech woods; late summer to autumn. Frequent. Said to be poisonous but eaten by some with no ill-effect.