Content
Mycena polygramma is a lamellar mushroom from the Rowadov family (Tricholomataceae). It is also called Mycena striatus or Mycena ribbed. The genus includes more than two hundred varieties, of which sixty are widely distributed in Russia. Mycena striped was first described by the French mycologist Boulliard at the end of the 18th century, but he classified it incorrectly. The error was corrected 50 years later, when Frederick Gray assigned the striped variety to the genus Mycenae. They are found everywhere and belong to a variety of litter saprotrophs. They have bioluminescent properties, but their glow is difficult to detect with the naked eye.
What do Mycenae striate look like?
Mycena striped is miniature. When it appears, the tiny cap is shaped like an ovoid hemisphere. Young mushrooms have a noticeable edge of thin fibers on their caps, which last for quite a long time. Then its edges straighten slightly, turning into a bell with a rounded top.As it grows, the cap straightens and Mycena striped becomes like an umbrella, with a pronounced tubercle in the center. Sometimes its edges bend upward, forming a saucer-shaped shape with a lump in the center.
Mycena striped has a smooth, thin cap, like a varnish, with barely noticeable radial stripes. Its diameter is from 1.3 to 4 cm. Sometimes it has a whitish-powdery coating. The color is white-silver, grayish or greenish-gray. The plates protrude slightly, making the edge fringed and slightly ragged.
The records are rare, free, from 30 to 38 pieces. Dense, not attached to the stem. Their edges may be jagged or torn. The color is white-yellowish, lighter than the cap. In an overgrown mushroom they become red-brown. Often, in adult mushrooms, rusty-colored spots appear on the plates. Spores are pure white, 8-10X6-7 microns, ellipsoidal, smooth.
The stalk is fibrous, elastic and sinewy, slightly expanding towards the root into a root-like outgrowth. It has clearly defined longitudinal grooves. It is this feature that is included in the name of the species: striped. Sometimes the scars bend in a spiral along the stem, along with the fibers. The surface is very smooth, without bends or bulges. The inside of the leg is hollow; the spine may have an almost imperceptible edge of thin fibers. Strongly elongated relative to the cap, can grow from 3 to 18 cm, thin, diameter does not exceed 2-5 mm and smooth, without scales. The color is ash-white, or slightly blue, much lighter than that of the cap. It is so thin that it appears transparent. Although it is quite difficult to break it.
Where do Mycenae striate grow?
This representative of the Mitsen family can be found in all regions of Russia with the exception of the Far North. It appears promptly in mid-late June and continues to bear fruit abundantly until frost. It usually disappears at the end of October or beginning of November, and in the southern regions - by the end of December.
Striped mycenae are not picky about where they grow or their neighbors. They can be found both in coniferous forests and spruce forests, and in deciduous forests. They usually grow on old stumps and rotten fallen trunks of deciduous trees or nearby, in the roots of growing trees. They love the proximity of oak, linden and maple. But they can appear in old clearings in rotting sawdust and wood chips. This type of mushroom helps process fallen leaves and wood debris into fertile soil - humus.
Is it possible to eat striped mycenae?
Mycena striped does not contain toxic substances and does not belong to the poisonous species. But due to its low nutritional value, it is classified as an inedible mushroom and is not recommended for consumption.
The flesh is gristly and very hard, has a slight garlic smell and a rather pungent taste. It is impossible to confuse it with other varieties of mushrooms due to the characteristic finely ribbed stem and almost white plates.
Conclusion
Mycena striped-legged is a grayish-brown mushroom with a tall thin stalk and a small umbrella-cap. It grows everywhere, in the Russian Federation and in Europe. Quite rare in North America, as well as in Japan and the Falkland Islands. Mycena striped is not picky about climate or soil.Mycena striped bears fruit from mid-summer to late autumn, and in the south - until mid-winter, until snow falls. Thanks to the special structure of the leg with a longitudinal small scar, it is easy to distinguish it from other Mycenae or other species. Mycena striped is not toxic, however, it is not eaten because of its characteristic taste and low nutritional value.
