Up date from Anna Marie Fritz who is a Mycrophile: These are called Inky Caps (Latin name is Comprinus Comatus), and they are in existence for a very short time. Twenty four hours or less! They pop out as snow-white buttons that (within hours) develop into snow white cones that the English aptly call "Lawyer's Wigs." Then they 'deliquesce,' which is a nice way to say 'go to mushy rotten.' While in the white phase...they are some of the most delicious mushrooms one can eat. Thanks so much Anna for the mycrological lesson. Photo by Sharon Lee . Copyright 2009