Bonfire Inkcap

Bonfire Inkcap Coprinus jonesii Peck syn. C. lagopides sensu auct. mult. (illustrated 70% life size) Cap 2–6cm high, cylindrical to conical, expanding with margin gradually rolling back; white to grey, at first covered in conspicuous, whitish to greyish, fibrillose veil remnants, later less so and striate from margin inwards. Stem 30–110×3–12mm; white; initially with white down then smooth in places, base white and woolly. Flesh smell none. Gills free; soon dark vinaceous then black and deliquescing. Spores 6–9×5–7¼, elliptical to subglobose. Spore print violaceous-black. Habitat on burnt soil or charred wood and so differing markedly in habitat from the superficially similar C. lagopus (below); late autumn. Uncommon. Unknown edibility.