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Parasola conopilea, commonly known as the Conical Brittlestem or Conical Inkcap, is a delicate and ephemeral mushroom belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae. It is characterized by its distinctive conical cap, which often retains its shape even as it matures, unlike many other inkcaps that deliquesce rapidly. This species is saprobic, playing a role in the decomposition of organic matter in its habitat.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Initially acutely conical, becoming campanulate (bell-shaped) to broadly conical with age, but rarely flattening completely. The cap diameter ranges from 1 to 3 cm. The surface is radially grooved or striate from the margin almost to the center, reflecting the gills beneath. It is pale greyish-brown to ochraceous-brown, often darker at the apex, and becomes paler towards the margin. The cap is hygrophanous, meaning its color changes with moisture content, appearing darker when wet and lighter when dry. It lacks any veil remnants or scales.
- Gills
- Free, crowded, and narrow. Initially whitish, they become greyish-brown to blackish with age as the spores mature. They do not deliquesce (turn to black ink) as readily or completely as many other inkcap species, though some marginal deliquescence can occur.
- Stem
- Slender, hollow, fragile, and cylindrical, often slightly tapering upwards. It measures 4 to 12 cm in length and 1 to 3 mm in diameter. The surface is smooth, whitish to translucent, and often pruinose (finely powdered) towards the apex. There is no ring or volva.
- Flesh
- Very thin, fragile, and whitish to pale grey. It has no distinctive odor or taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is slender and fragile, typical of the genus Parasola. It is not a robust mushroom and can be easily overlooked.
- Habitat
- Saprobic, growing solitarily or in small scattered groups on rich, disturbed soil, lawns, gardens, wood chips, and grassy areas, often in nutrient-rich environments. It is particularly common in urban and suburban settings.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Radially grooved/striate, hygrophanous
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Black
- Body color: Pale greyish-brown to ochraceous-brown cap, whitish stem
- Odor: Indistinct
- Flesh bruises: No
- Height: 4-12 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-3 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeParasola conopilea is generally considered non-toxic, but it is too small and insubstantial to be of any culinary interest. It is not recommended for consumption due to its fragility and lack of flavor. There are no known reports of toxicity, but caution is always advised with any wild mushroom. It is crucial to avoid consuming any mushroom unless positively identified by an expert.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct
- Fruiting: Late spring to autumn
- Substrate: Soil, wood chips, grassy areas
Where to Find
Europe
Widespread across temperate regions of Europe, commonly found in parks, gardens, and along roadsides.
North America
Also common in North America, particularly in disturbed habitats and cultivated areas.
Asia
Reported from parts of Asia, though its distribution may be less thoroughly documented.
Finding Tips
Timing
Look for this species from late spring through autumn, especially after periods of rain. It is an ephemeral mushroom, often appearing and disappearing within a day or two.
Habitat Focus
Concentrate your search in well-maintained lawns, garden beds, and areas with wood chip mulch, as these provide ideal conditions for its growth.
Observation
Due to its small size and delicate nature, careful observation is required. Look closely at the ground, especially in grassy areas.
Similar Species
Pleated Inkcap
Parasola
Also known as: Parasola plicatilis
Glistening Inkcap
Coprinellus
Also known as: Coprinellus micaceus
Common Inkcap
Coprinopsis
Also known as: Coprinopsis atramentaria
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Psathyrellaceae
- Genus
- Parasola
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: Not applicable
- Freezing duration: Not applicable
- Min Temperature: Not applicable
- Refrigeration: Not applicable
How to Clean
Not applicable, as this mushroom is not considered edible.
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