Coprinellus micaceus - Навозник мерцающий - Mica Cap

Coprinellus micaceus - Навозник мерцающий - Mica Cap - Glimmertintling 10/17/10—6/21/25

Coprinellus micaceus, commonly known as the Mica Cap, is a small, saprobic basidiomycete mushroom in the Psathyrellaceae family. The cap typically measures 1 to 4 cm in diameter, initially oval or bell-shaped, eventually becoming flat or slightly depressed. The cap surface is covered in fine, glistening, mica-like granules, giving it a distinctive shiny appearance. The color is light brown to tawny, often with a darker center. The gills of Coprinellus micaceus are crowded, free from the stipe, and change color from white to grayish-black as the spores mature. The stipe measures between 3 to 10 cm in height and 0.2 to 0.5 cm in diameter, with a white to pale gray color and a smooth surface. Coprinellus micaceus is a saprobic fungus that decomposes plant debris and organic matter, particularly on decaying wood. It plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems by breaking down organic materials and releasing nutrients back into the environment. The distribution of Coprinellus micaceus is quite widespread, being found in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. It is a common species that can be found in various habitats. The spores of Coprinellus micaceus are smooth, ellipsoid, and dark brown to black. They measure approximately 6 to 9 µm in length and 3.5 to 5 µm in width. The spore print color is black. The habitat of Coprinellus micaceus includes various environments, such as forests, gardens, parks, and urban areas. It is typically found growing on decaying wood, such as logs, stumps, or wood chips. Coprinellus micaceus is considered edible, but 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 micaceus has not been well studied, and the presence of bioactive compounds or other interesting chemicals within this fungus remains unknown. Coprinellus micaceus 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 micaceus is primarily that of a decomposer, contributing to the breakdown of organic materials and recycling of nutrients within ecosystems. Coprinellus micaceus is often found in clusters, with fruiting bodies growing close together on the same substrate.