| Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | C. pulchricaerulea |
| Binomial name | |
| Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea | |
Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea | |
|---|---|
 | Gills on hymenium |
  | Cap is ovate or convex |
 | Hymenium attachment is not applicable |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is unknown |
Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea is a species of mushroom-producing fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae. [1] [2]
It was first described in 2022 by the mycologists Teresa Lebel, Tom May and Mahajabeen Padamsee and was classified as Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea based on genomics work done – which placed it close to Coprinopsis aesontiensis . Unlike C. aesontiensis, however, C. pulchricaerulea is blue. [3]
This species was first discovered by nature photographer Stephen Axford in 2012 growing in subtropical forests in northern New South Wales, Australia. Specimens were sent to the mycology team at the State Herbarium of South Australia where DNA analysis was performed. The species has been erroneously called Leratiomyces atrovirens, especially by many media sources covering the discovery. However the DNA results do not support this [4] and Leratiomyces atrovirens has never been validly published. [5]
Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea is a small blue mushroom found rarely in Australia. It can appear to resemble a secotioid fungus due to the cap which may only partially open and the indistinct structure of the hymenium.
Cap: 8–28mm wide by 6–22mm tall. Starts spherical becoming ovate to convex with age. Pale or bright blue in colour discolouring with grey or green shades with age or when dry. Cap is fragile and covered in fine glistening white powdery warts which may wash off. Specimens collected in New Caledonia had fewer of these warts or were lacking them entirely. Gills: Start white or pale cream maturing to pale tan. Crowded. Stem: 5–20mm long and 3–7mm in diameter. Slightly bulbous base which tapers towards the cap. Has a stem ring towards the base. Spores: Ellipsoid to elongate without germ pore. Nondextrinoid.19–23 x 10–12.5 μm. Taste: Indistinct. Smell: Strong mushroom like smell. [3]
The specimens examined were found in a small areas of subtropical rainforest in New South Wales, New Caledonia and on Lord Howe Island in Australia. It grows solitary or in small groups in decaying leaf litter or wood in wet forests or rainforests. [3]
The specific epithet pulchricaerulea derives from the Latin pulcher meaning beautiful and caeruleus meaning blue, a reference to the spectacular blue colour of the mushrooms. [3]
DNA analysis shows that Coprinopsis aesontiensis is closely related. However this species has a grey cap as opposed to blue and is found in North Eastern Italy. [6]
The Psathyrellaceae are a family of dark-spored agarics that generally have rather soft, fragile fruiting bodies, and are characterized by black, dark brown, rarely reddish, or even pastel-colored spore prints. About 50% of species produce fruiting bodies that dissolve into ink-like ooze when the spores are mature via autodigestion. Prior to phylogenetic research based upon DNA comparisons, most of the species that autodigested were classified as Coprinaceae, which contained all of the inky-cap mushrooms. However, the type species of Coprinus, Coprinus comatus, and a few other species, were found to be more closely related to Agaricaceae. The former genus Coprinus was split between two families, and the name "Coprinaceae" became a synonym of Agaricaceae in its 21st-century phylogenetic redefinition. Note that in the 19th and early 20th centuries the family name Agaricaceae had far broader application, while in the late 20th century it had a narrower application. The family name Psathyrellaceae is based on the former Coprinaceae subfamily name Psathyrelloideae. The type genus Psathyrella consists of species that produce fruiting bodies which do not liquify via autodigestion. Psathyrella remained a polyphyletic genus until it was split into several genera including 3 new ones in 2015. Lacrymaria is another genus that does not autodigest its fruiting bodies. It is characterized by rough basidiospores and lamellar edges that exude beads of clear liquid when in prime condition, hence the Latin reference, lacryma (tears).
Coprinus comatus, commonly known as the shaggy ink cap, lawyer's wig, or shaggy mane, is a common fungus often seen growing on lawns, along gravel roads and waste areas. The young fruit bodies first appear as white cylinders emerging from the ground, then the bell-shaped caps open out. The caps are white, and covered with scales—this is the origin of the common names of the fungus. The gills beneath the cap are white, then pink, then turn black and deliquesce ('melt') into a black liquid filled with spores. This mushroom is unusual because it will turn black and dissolve itself in a matter of hours after being picked or depositing spores.
Rubroboletus satanas, commonly known as Satan's bolete or the Devil's bolete, is a basidiomycete fungus of the bolete family (Boletaceae) and one of its most infamous members. It was known as Boletus satanas before its transfer to the new genus Rubroboletus in 2014, based on molecular phylogenetic data. Found in broad-leaved and mixed woodland in the warmer regions of Europe, it is classified as a poisonous mushroom, known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea and violent vomiting. However, reports of poisoning are rare, due to its striking appearance and at times putrid smell, which discourage casual experimentation.
Coprinopsis atramentaria, commonly known as the common ink cap, tippler's bane, or inky cap, is an edible mushroom found in Europe and North America. Previously known as Coprinus atramentarius, it is the second best known ink cap and previous member of the genus Coprinus after C. comatus. It is a widespread and common fungus found throughout the northern hemisphere. Clumps of mushrooms arise after rain from spring to autumn, commonly in urban and disturbed habitats such as vacant lots and lawns, as well as grassy areas. The grey-brown cap is initially bell-shaped before opening, after which it flattens and disintegrates. The flesh is thin and the taste mild. It can be eaten, but due to the presence of coprine within the mushroom, it is poisonous when consumed with alcohol, as it heightens the body's sensitivity to ethanol in a similar manner to the anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram.
Leucocoprinus cepistipes, is a species of fungus in the family Agaricaceae. It is typically found on wood debris, such as wood chips but may also grow in potted plants or greenhouses. Typical characteristics include a fine-scaled bell-shaped cap, a partial veil, and a tendency to bruise a yellow to brown when handled.
Leratiomyces is a genus of mushroom-forming basidiomycetes first proposed three times under invalid names, and finally validated in 2008. It includes several formerly described, variously, from the genera Stropharia, Hypholoma, and Weraroa. It was formerly classified as Stropharia section Stropholoma, though some authorities placed this section in the genus Hypholoma, as these species often have features that are intermediate between the two genera.
Coprinopsis lagopus is a species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae. Until 2001, the species was known as Coprinus lagopus; advances in the understanding of phylogenetic relationships between the various coprinoid species led to a major reorganization of that genus. It is a delicate and short-lived fungus, the fruit bodies lasting only a few hours before dissolving into a black ink – a process called deliquescence. The vague resemblance of the young fruit body to the paw of a white rabbit has earned this species the common name harefoot mushroom.
Macrolepiota clelandii, commonly known as the slender parasol or graceful parasol, is a species of mushroom-forming fungus in the family Agaricaceae. The species is found in Australia and New Zealand, where it fruits singly or in small groups on the ground in eucalypt woodlands, parks, and roadsides. It is a tall mushroom up to roughly 20 cm (8 in), with a broad cap covered with distinctive rings of dark brown scales. The whitish gills on the cap underside are closely spaced and free from attachment to the slender stipe, which has a loose ring on its upper half, and a bulbous base. The edibility of the mushroom is not known with certainty, but closely related parasol mushrooms are edible and some are very sought after.
Coprinopsis variegata, commonly known as the scaly ink cap or the feltscale inky cap, is a species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae. Distributed in eastern North America, it has a medium-sized, bell-shaped to flattened cap up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) in diameter, with felt-like, patchy scales. The gills, initially white, turn black in maturity and eventually dissolve into a black "ink". Fruit bodies grow in clusters or groups on leaf litter or rotted hardwood, although the wood may be buried, giving the appearance of growing in the soil. The fungus is found in the United States, in areas east of the Great Plains. Coprinus ebulbosus and Coprinus quadrifidus are names assigned by Charles Horton Peck to what he believed were species distinct from C. variegata; they were later shown to represent the same species, and are now synonyms. The mushroom is not recommended for consumption, and has been shown to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Coprinopsis picacea, commonly known as the magpie mushroom, magpie fungus, or magpie inkcap fungus, is a species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae. It was first described in 1785 by French mycologist Jean Baptiste François Pierre Bulliard in 1785 as Agaricus picaceus.
Mycena arcangeliana is a species of Mycenaceae fungus. It has been known by a number of scientific names, and its taxonomy is still somewhat disputed. It produces small mushrooms with caps varying in colour from whitish to a darker grey-brown, and stems of an olive-greyish that fade with age. The mushrooms can be mistaken for the similar Mycena flavescens. They have a mild taste, but a strong smell of iodoform; they are not edible. The species grows on dead wood in autumn months, and can be found throughout Europe.
Cortinarius elatior is a species of mushroom native to Europe which is commonly known as the wrinkled webcap due to the cap's tendency to wrinkle with age.
Leucocoprinus straminellus is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Agaricaceae. Like other Leucocoprinus species it may have originated in a tropical climate but now finds a home in plant pots, greenhouses and compost piles in many countries. Leucocoprinus straminellus is described as being similar to the more commonly known Leucocoprinus birnbaumii but it is smaller and a lighter shade of yellow with smaller spores that lack a germ pore. It is also described as being superficially similar to Leucocoprinus fragilissimus but slightly more robust with flesh that is less translucent.
Amanita groenlandica is a species of fungus in the family Amanitaceae. It has been placed in Amanita sect. Vaginatae.
Britzelmayria multipedata is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae. It is commonly known as the clustered brittlestem.
Cystoagaricus strobilomyces is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae and the type species of the Cystoagaricus genus
Coprinopsis aesontiensis is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae.
Coprinopsis martinii is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae.
Coprinopsis nivea is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae. It is commonly known as the snowy inkcap.
Leucocoprinus tricolor is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Agaricaceae.