Alkaline mycena (Mycena alcalina)
Systematics:- Department: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Agaricomycetidae (Agaricomycetes)
- Order: Agaricales (Agaric or Lamellar)
- Family: Mycenaceae (Mycene)
- Genus: Mycena (Mycena)
- Species: Mycena alcalina (Mycena alkaline)
Synonyms:
Mycenae caustic
Mycena alkaline (Mycena alcalina) is a mushroom belonging to the Mitsenov family, the Mitsen genus. It also has other names: Mycena gray and Mycena pineapple-loving .
External description of the mushroom
In young alkaline mycenes, the cap has a hemispherical shape, but as it matures, it becomes almost spread. However, in its central part, a characteristic tubercle almost always remains. The diameter of the cap of an alkaline mycene varies from 1 to 3 cm. It is initially creamy brown in color, gradually fading to fawn.
The mushroom pulp is brittle and thin, the thinnest plates are noticeable along its edges. It has a characteristic chemically alkaline odor.
The spores are white, almost transparent, in color. The stem of the mushroom is quite long. But this is invisible, since most of it is under the bumps. The inside of the leg is empty, the color is the same as the cap or a little lighter. Below, the color of the leg often turns yellowish. in the lower part of the leg, characteristic cobweb growths are visible, which are part of the mycelium.
Habitat and period of fruiting
The fruiting period of the alkaline mycene begins in May, continuing throughout the fall. The fungus is found in many regions of the country, characterized by an abundance of fruiting bodies. It can be seen only on fir cones, since alkaline mycene chooses just such a basis for its development and maturation. In addition to cones, gray mycenae grow on spruce and pine litter (fallen needles). Interestingly, alkaline mycene does not always grow in plain sight. It often happens that its development takes place in the ground. In this case, mature mushrooms have a squat appearance.
Edibility
EdibilityThere is currently no information about whether mycene is alkaline, but many mycologists classify this mushroom as inedible. This type of mushroom is not eaten for two reasons - they are too small in size, and the pulp has a sharp and unpleasant chemical odor.
Similar species, distinctive features from them
It is impossible to confuse caustic mycene with any other type of fungi of the Mycene genus, since this plant has a well-distinguishable chemical smell, similar to gas or alkali. In addition, acrid mycena grows in a specific place among fallen spruce cones. You can confuse a mushroom with another species, perhaps by name, but not by appearance.
On the territory of the Moscow region, the alkaline mycena is a rather rare specimen of mushrooms, therefore it was included in the Red Book of the Moscow Region.