Wayne's Word Index Noteworthy Plants Trivia Lemnaceae Biology 101 Botany Search Additional Fungus Photos #1 Fungi Photos: Inky Cap Fungus, Fairy Bonnet, Morel & King Bolete Inky Cap Fungus (Coprinus) Self-digesting caps of an inky cap fungus, possibly Coprinus comatus or C. atramentarius. Species in the genus Coprinus (also known as shaggy mane mushrooms) exhibit deliquescence, a phenomenon in which digestive enzymes dissolve the cap into a black, inklike fluid. You can actually write on paper with this black liquid. During the digestive process, the gills become curled back and more exposed, possibly aiding in the wind dispersal of spores. Shaggy mane mushrooms (probably Coprinus comatus) before digesting themselves. In a few days after taking this photo, the caps dissolved into a black, inklike fluid. Delicate "fairy bonnets" (Coprinus disseminatus) growing in flower pot with an orchid. Edible Morel (Morchella esculenta) A cluster of morels (probably Morchella esculenta) at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, California. According to some mushroom hunters, this edible fungus is one of the most delicious of all wild species in California. A cluster of large morels (probably Morchella esculenta) at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, California. This delicious fungus is highly prized by mushroom hunters. See A Black Morel On Palomar Mountain A bag of dried black morels (net weight 1/2 ounce) for sale at the "modest price" of $15.00. The freshly gathered morels (right) are Morchella esculenta. Sauteed with vegetables and onions, morels are truly delicious. A basket of yellow morels (Morchella esculenta) collected in the flower bed of a shopping center in Escondido, California. It was a surprise to find many dozens of these delectable fungi among bark chips and shrubbery along a walkway in the parking area. According to some mushroom hunters, this edible fungus is one of the most delicious of all wild species in California. White morels (Morchella deliciosa). This morel has a cap 2-6 cm in length (high). The gray or brown, vertically elongated pits (cavities) have white ridges. This species occurs solitary or in groups in California and eastern North America, often in gardens, old orchards and forested areas. Morels should be cooked, preferably sauteed. Before cooking, split the cap lengthwise and inspect the hollow interior for insects, millipedes and slugs. King Bolete (Boletus edulis) A king bolete (Boletus edulis) growing in the Coast Range of central Oregon. This delicious, edible fungus is highly prized by mushroom hunters. Poisonous Satan's Bolete On Palomar Mountain Return To Economic Plant Families Page Return To WAYNE'S WORD Home Page Return To NOTEWORTHY PLANTS Page Go To Biology GEE WHIZ TRIVIA Page Go To The LEMNACEAE ON-LINE Page All text material & images on these pages copyright © W.P. Armstrong