Parasola plicatilis, commonly known as the pleated inkcap,[1] is a small saprotrophic mushroom with a plicate cap (diameter up to 35 mm). It is a widely distributed species in Europe and North America.[2] This ink cap species is a decomposer which can be found in grassy areas, alone, scattered or in small groups.[3] The fruiting bodies grow at night after rain, and will self decompose after spore dispersion is achieved. Otherwise, they are quickly dried up in morning sunlight, or will eventually collapse beneath the weight of their caps. Though nonpoisonous,[4] the species is generally regarded as inedible.[5]

Pleated inkcap
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Psathyrellaceae
Genus: Parasola
Species:
P. plicatilis
Binomial name
Parasola plicatilis
(Curtis) Redhead et al.
Parasola plicatilis
View the Mycomorphbox template that generates the following list
Gills on hymenium
Cap is convex or depressed
Hymenium is free
Stipe is bare
Spore print is black
Ecology is saprotrophic
Edibility is inedible

The overall body resembles a cocktail umbrella. The cap is papery, and the species has no veil.[3] Two similar species, P. hemerobia and P. leiocephala, have similar microscopic features but appear in different habitats and have unique spores.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Pleated Inkcap | NatureSpot". Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  2. ^ "Parasola plicatilis (MushroomExpert.Com)". Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  3. ^ a b c Trudell, Steve; Ammirati, Joe (2009). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press Field Guides. Portland, OR: Timber Press. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-88192-935-5.
  4. ^ Miller Jr., Orson K.; Miller, Hope H. (2006). North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi. Guilford, CN: FalconGuide. p. 228. ISBN 978-0-7627-3109-1.
  5. ^ "Parasola plicatilis, Pleated Inkcap mushroom". Retrieved 2023-08-20.
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