About Parasola plicatilis (Curtis) Redhead, Vilgalys & Hopple
Parasola plicatilis, commonly known as the pleated inkcap, is a small saprotrophic mushroom. Its fruiting body resembles a cocktail umbrella. The plicate cap grows up to 3.5 centimetres (1+1⁄2 inches) wide, and this species has no veil. While it is not poisonous, Parasola plicatilis is generally considered inedible, with thin flesh. Two related species, P. hemerobia and P. leiocephala, share similar microscopic features with P. plicatilis, but grow in different habitats and have distinct spores. Other species that look similar to P. plicatilis include Leucocoprinus fragilissimus, as well as members of the genera Coprinopsis, Narcissea, and Tulosesus. P. plicatilis is widely distributed across Europe and North America. As a decomposer, it grows in grassy areas, occurring alone, scattered, or in small groups. Its fruiting bodies develop at night after rain, and undergo self-digestion once they have finished releasing spores. If they do not self-digest, they will dry out quickly in morning sunlight, or eventually collapse under the weight of their caps.
