Identification:
This fungus can loosely be described as looking like a thin, elongated mushroom. It has a thin stalk and small cap. There are gills on the underside of the cap which are black and as the growth ages, the whole head turns black and hence the name 'ink-cup'.
It is often referred to as a plaster fungus because it is often seen growing out of the plaster, but it will fundamentally grow from any damp substrate. It is not a wood destroyer.
The
real importance of its presence is that it identifies very damp conditions.
Where these exist it should put the investigator on notice of dampness and
of course, any timber in contact with such moisture will be at risk to rot
developing.
