Milky Conecap

These have been in our yard the last two days. Yesterday I waited too long and they all wilted by the afternoon. Aha! From the Mushroom Expert, “Not only is Conocybe apala small, but it is so fragile that it often collapses completely by mid-day, after having arisen a few hours before with the morning sun.”

From iNaturalist: “Conocybe apala is a basidiomycete fungus belonging to the genus Conocybe.

“The species has been taxonomically reclassified a number of times. Until recently, it was also commonly called Conocybe lactea or Conocybe albipes and is colloquially known as the white dunce cap or the milky conecap.

“It is a fairly common fungus, both in North America and Europe, found growing among short green grass.

“Very easily missed due to their very small size, the fruit bodies are otherwise quite easy to identify. The flesh has no discernible taste or smell and is extremely fragile to the touch.”

Reminiscent of an Asian conical hat.

» Submitted as Conocybe apala or “Milky Conecap”: [ iNaturalist ]
» Species pages: [ iNaturalist ] [ The Australian National Species List ] [ Mushroom Expert ]

July 8 posts (17; missing 2018)

[ PXL_20260708_142058752_LE15tm :: cell phone ]

[Rick Schies]

The heat and humidity will bring them out

[Kathy]

Some delicate ones began to grow in the yard this week, but were gone by the time I thought to get the camera out.

[Kate A 🇦🇺]

Lovely shape