The Pleated Inkcap (Parasola plicatilis) is a small, delicate mushroom that is part of the inkcap family. It’s known for its distinctive appearance, especially the pleated, almost translucent cap that resembles a tiny parasol.
The cap of the Pleated Inkcap is very thin and often has a light brownish or grayish color. As it matures, the cap expands, revealing prominent pleats or folds, giving it a delicate look. It may grow up to 2 cm in diameter, and its edges often appear slightly scalloped or fringed. Typically found in grassy areas, lawns, or open woodland floors, Pleated Inkcap often appears after rain in warmer seasons. Unlike many mushrooms, it doesn’t grow from wood or decaying material but rather from the soil, where it feeds on decomposing organic matter. This mushroom produces black spores, a characteristic feature of the inkcap family. As it matures, it often dissolves into a black, inky liquid—a process called deliquescence. Pleated Inkcap is generally considered non-toxic, but it's not commonly eaten. It is very fragile, and its short lifespan (often lasting only a day) makes it challenging to harvest or cook.
This species is admired for its elegance and unique life cycle rather than its culinary or medicinal properties. It’s a good reminder of nature’s ephemeral beauty!
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