Coprinellus micaceus is a common species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution. The species typically grows in dense clusters on or near rotting hardwood tree stumps or underground tree roots. Depending on their stage of development, the tawny-brown mushroom caps may range in shape from oval to bell-shaped to convex, and reach diameters up to 3 cm (1.2 in). In young specimens, the cap surface is coated with a fine layer of reflective mica-like cells, inspiring the species name as well as the common names "mica cap", "shiny cap", and "glistening inky cap". A few hours after collection, the gills will start to dissolve into a black, inky, spore- laden liquid. The fruit bodies are edible before the gills blacken and dissolve, and cooking will stop the process. Chemical analysis of the fruit bodies has revealed the presence of antibacterial and enzyme- inhibiting compounds.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coprinellus_micaceus

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1869:

One day after surrendering at the Battle of Hakodate, Enomoto Takeaki turned over Goryōkaku to Japanese forces, signaling the collapse of the Republic of Ezo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ezo

1905:

The crew of the Russian battleship Potemkin began a mutiny against their oppressive officers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_battleship_Potemkin

1989:

The International Labour Organization Convention 169, a major binding international convention concerning indigenous peoples, and a forerunner of the 2007 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, was adopted. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_and_Tribal_Peoples_Convention,_1989

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

lour: 1. (intransitive) To frown; to look sullen. 2. (intransitive, figuratively) To be dark, gloomy, and threatening, as clouds; of the sky: to be covered with dark and threatening clouds; to show threatening signs of approach, as a tempest. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/lour

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

The test of all beliefs is their practical effect in life. If it be true that optimism compels the world forward, and pessimism retards it, then it is dangerous to propagate a pessimistic philosophy.   --Helen Keller https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Helen_Keller