Coprinellus domesticus - Навозник домашний - Domestic Inky Cap

Coprinellus domesticus - Навозник домашний - Domestic Inky Cap - Haus-Tintling 6/12/09—4/1/11

Coprinellus domesticus, commonly known as the Domestic Inky Cap, is a small to medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom in the Psathyrellaceae family. The cap of this fungus typically measures 1.5 to 4 cm in diameter, initially egg-shaped and later becoming bell-shaped or flat. The cap surface is smooth and light gray to brownish-gray, often adorned with white to grayish-white veil remnants at the margin. The gills of Coprinellus domesticus are crowded and free from the stipe, changing color from white to grayish-black as the spores mature. The stipe of this mushroom is slender, measuring between 3 to 8 cm in height and 0.2 to 0.5 cm in diameter, with a white to grayish color and a smooth surface. Coprinellus domesticus is a saprobic fungus, decomposing plant debris and organic matter, particularly on decaying wood. It plays a vital role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems by breaking down organic materials and releasing nutrients back into the environment. The distribution of Coprinellus domesticus is quite widespread, being found in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. It is a common species, especially in urban areas. The spores of Coprinellus domesticus are smooth, ellipsoid, and dark brown to black. They measure approximately 8 to 10 µm in length and 5 to 6 µm in width. The spore print color is black. The habitat of Coprinellus domesticus includes various environments, such as urban areas, gardens, parks, and forests. It is typically found growing on decaying wood, such as logs, stumps, or wood chips. While Coprinellus domesticus is considered edible, it is not highly regarded due to its small size and the rapid autodigestion of its gills, which turns the fruiting body into an inky mess. The chemical composition of Coprinellus domesticus has not been well studied, and the presence of bioactive compounds or other interesting chemicals within this fungus remains unknown. Coprinellus domesticus is characterized by its deliquescence, a process in which the gills liquefy and turn into a black, inky substance as the mushroom matures. The ecological role of Coprinellus domesticus is primarily that of a decomposer, contributing to the breakdown of organic materials and recycling of nutrients within ecosystems. Coprinellus domesticus is often found in clusters, with fruiting bodies growing close together on the same substrate.