Ink Cap
Shaggy Ink Cap

 

Ink Caps are so called because the caps gradually turn black and inky, dripping off to the ground.

This happens because the fungus is deliberately destroying its cap, to expose the spores for easy release.

Before the Ink Cap reaches the inky cap stage, it looks a bit like a long egg.

Shaggy Ink Cap

 

 

Ink Cap

 

 

Inkcaps grow upwards with so much strength, that they can push straight through concrete on roads, pavements or tennis courts.