Common Ink Cap

Description:

This common ink cap fruiting bodies were seen in numerous clumps in all stages of their short life. The largest caps were about 80 mm wide with thin disintegrating flesh exposing beautiful grey blue gills.
The high, oval young caps were covered with small soft brown spiky growth and these appeared to shrivel up to white powdery meal as the cap opens. Centres of the cap remained brown.
Stipes were white and hollow.

Habitat:

Spotted on damp mulch in a suburban garden.

Notes:

This is a common mushroom which is extremely attractive even as it deliquesces to an inky fluid. The species name is derived from Latin for Ink = atramentum,
It is eaten by some but can become toxic if consumed with alcohol. it is therefore also called Tippler's Bane.
Family: Psathyrellaceae