''Parasola plicatilis'', commonly known as the pleated inkcap, is a small saprotrophic mushroom.
The body resembles a
cocktail umbrella. The plicate cap is up to wide.
The species has no
veil
A veil is an article of clothing or hanging cloth that is intended to cover some part of the human head, head or face, or an object of some significance. Veiling has a long history in European, Asian, and African societies. The practice has be ...
.
Though nonpoisonous,
the species is generally regarded as inedible and thin-fleshed.
Two related species,
''P. hemerobia'' and
''P. leiocephala'', have similar microscopic features but appear in different habitats and have unique spores.
Other lookalikes include ''
Leucocoprinus fragilissimus'' and members of ''
Coprinopsis'', ''
Narcissea'', and ''
Tulosesus''.
''P. plicatilis'' is a widely distributed species in Europe and North America.
It is a decomposer which can be found in grassy areas, alone, scattered or in small groups.
The fruiting bodies grow at night after rain, and will self decompose after
spore
In biology, a spore is a unit of sexual reproduction, sexual (in fungi) or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for biological dispersal, dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavourable conditions. Spores fo ...
dispersion is achieved. Otherwise, they are quickly dried up in morning sunlight, or will eventually collapse beneath the weight of their caps.
References
External links
*
Psathyrellaceae
Fungi of Europe
Fungi of North America
Fungi described in 1838
Fungus species
{{Psathyrellaceae-stub