Genus: Coprinus

Coprinus - genus within family Agaricaceae.

Genus including species with ovoid caps and gills and flesh of cap decomposing into black slime (autolysis), once family-forming. After revision divided into C., Coprinopsis, Coprinellus and Parasola; first genus transferred back to Agaricaceae, three others - to Psathyrellaceae, family Coprinaceae disbanded. Saprotrophs on soil and manure. Some species of Coprinus edible when young, before tissues blacken.