Content
Mycena meliagena (Agaricus meliigena) is a mushroom from the Mycenoceae family, order Agariaceae or Lamellar. The representative of the mushroom kingdom has not been fully studied, so there is no information about edibility.
What do mycenae meliaceae look like?
The mushroom is small, the diameter of the cap does not exceed 8-10 mm. The surface is convex, parabolic in shape. The top may have a bulge or a dent. Because of the whitish coating, the cap appears to be covered with frost. Color ranges from reddish brown to pale brown with hints of lilac or violet. Older specimens have a deeper brown color.
The plates are located very sparsely (6-14 pieces), wide, with a narrowed, fine-toothed edge. The color of the plates in young specimens is whitish, becoming beige-brown with age. The edges always appear lighter.
The leg is fragile, elongated, its size ranges from 4-20 mm. Thickness no more than 1 mm. Usually with a bend, rarely even. The color of the stem matches the color of the cap. The coating is frost-like, large flakes may be observed. In older specimens, the plaque becomes thinner and disappears, and the leg looks shiny. Residual whitish pubescence is visible only at the base.
The pulp is watery, white or creamy, with a possible beige tint. The structure is thin, translucent. There is no data on taste, there is no mushroom or specific smell.
The spores are smooth, spherical, and their powder is white.
Where do mycenae meliaceae grow?
Mycenae meliaceae grow on the bark of deciduous trees, preferring a surface covered with moss. Most often found in oak forests. The main growing area is Europe and Asia.
The period of mass appearance of Melian mycenae is the second ten days of July. They bear fruit until late autumn (October-November). On warm and humid autumn days, you can observe the sudden numerous appearance of meliaceae mushrooms not on the trees, but on the moss cushion around them. The phenomenon is seasonal; as soon as the humidity decreases, the Mycenae meliaceae disappear.
Is it possible to eat Mycena meliaceae?
The mushroom has not been sufficiently studied, so there is no data on its edibility. It is generally accepted that the mushroom is not edible.
Existing doubles
Mycena meliaceae can be confused with similar species:
- Mycena cortical in some sources it is classified as a different species, but has great similarities, and therefore can be considered a synonym of Mycena meliaceae.Melia is common in Europe, and cortical is common in North America. The species also has no nutritional value.
- Pseudocortical found in oak forests and can grow together with Melium mycena. Young specimens have obvious differences: pseudocortical ones are characterized by bluish or gray-blue hues, and meliaceous ones are reddish-violet. Old specimens lose their original color, becoming brownish, so they are difficult to identify. Not considered edible.
- Mycena juniper It is distinguished by a pale brown cap and is found not on oak trees, but on juniper. Edibility is unknown.
Conclusion
Mycena meliaceae is a representative of the mushroom kingdom that has no nutritional value. It is found in European and Asian countries; in some regions the species is listed in the Red Book.
