Well….. maybe a bit longer than 5 seconds, lol! The Inky Black Mushroom as many know it; also called Coprinus Comatus, is a mushroom that often appears after a rain. Those in the first photo might be considered mature. As they begin to age , the ‘shroom cap begins to open and a black ink like substance appears. If you look at this next picture, the ‘shroom on the right has just begun this process.
The ‘ink’ is actually a digestive enzyme that begins a ‘self cannibalism’ process if you will. The way this mushroom releases its spores is through this process. When they finish it, they look like this.
Pretty icky, huh?
Here’s some prettier pictures of them.
There were quite the number of colonies! Now, here’s the kicker-they’re edible, well sort of. I know people who do eat these but there’s some rules about that. Eat only when they look fresh and new-not when black. Also apparently, this mushroom produces chemicals that react very badly with alcohol, so don’t consume any for even up to 10+ days after consuming the Inkies! There’s also some who say that they may be carcinogenic, which needs no explanation. My suggestion-just don’t eat them!! They’re great to look at but that’s all I will ever do with them.
Now, they don’t call them ‘Inky’ for nothing! That black stuff can actually be used for ink! However, as the ‘shroom decomposes and it becomes a bigger mass of black goo, it’s reported that it smells distinctly like fish and only gets worse as time goes by! 😖 I also read that some people put essential oils in the ‘ink’ to help cover the smell. I think I’ll stick to regular ink pens!🖊️
So if you’re out in the woods and stumble upon these lovely specimens, photograph them; enjoy their beauty, but DON’T eat them please! You will probably regret it later!
Work was busy today. The doc hired a gal today who will start next Thursday. I’m dreading the training but am glad he made a decision.
That’s gonna be it for now Take care and be blessed! 🙏🌎🙏
👣🐑☕️☔️🍄🟫🍄🟫🍄🟫🍂🍁😖🧐🌙🥱😴
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app
@elizabethbit is a member of ladiesofsgs4eva
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH
