Shaggy Ink Cap Story

Shaggy Ink Cap, or Lawyer's Wig (Caprinus comotus) is a common fungus widely seen at this time of year on lawns and alongside paths.

Some recent rain has brought out a very good crop this year. On the photo you can see the stages in the development of the fungi. 1. When they first push up through the ground they all creamy coloured vertical ovals. 2. As they mature the sides separate from the stalk and look like a skirt. 3. The bottom of the skirt then turns into an ink full of spores and this drips onto the ground. 4. Finally all that is left is a stalk and this can be seen on the right of the picture.

Here endeth today's lesson.