Variegated Inkcap Mushroom

Description

Inkcap fungi belong to a group of organisms called saprobes. Saprobes are an essential part of the planet's recycling crew. They break down dead organic matter such as leaves and wood, making the nutrients once again available to plants and other organisms. This species grows in large clusters on well-decayed hardwood logs across eastern North America, and its gills turn from white to black and finally liquefy. In one study, it was among only four fungi, out of about 100 tested, that could attack and digest colonies of bacteria.