Content
Mycena alkaline, caustic, cone-loving or gray - these are the names of the same mushroom. In mycological reference books it is also designated under the Latin name Mycena alcalina and belongs to the Mycenoceae family.
Fruits grow in compact groups covering large areas
What do alkaline mycenae look like?
The species forms small fruiting bodies consisting of a stem and a cap. The shape of the upper part changes during the growing season, the base of the lower half is hidden in the substrate.
The external characteristics of alkaline mycena are as follows:
- At the beginning of growth, the cap is semicircular with a conical convexity in the center, over time it straightens and becomes completely prostrate with clear, slightly wavy edges, the unevenness is created by protruding plates.
- The minimum diameter is 1 cm, the maximum is 3 cm.
- The surface is velvety smooth without a mucous coating, with radial longitudinal stripes.
- The color of young specimens is brown with a cream tint; during the growing season it becomes lighter and becomes fawn in adult mushrooms.
- The center is always different in color, it can be lighter than the main tone or darker depending on the lighting and humidity.
- The lower part is lamellar.The plates are thin, but wide, with a clear border near the stem, and are rarely located. Light with a gray tint, do not change color until the fruiting body ages.
- The flesh is fragile, thin, breaks when touched, and beige in color.
- Microscopic spores are transparent.
- The stalk is tall and thin, the same width along its entire length; often most of it is hidden in the substrate. If it is completely on the surface, then thin white threads of mycelium are clearly visible near the mycelium.
- The structure is fragile, hollow, fibrous inside.
The color is the same as the upper part or a tone darker, yellowish fragments are possible at the base.
Mycena of regular proportional shape, cap-peduncle type
Where do alkaline mycenae grow?
It is difficult to call the fungus widespread; it forms numerous colonies, but is rare. Listed in the Red Book of the Moscow Region as a rare species. The small habitat is associated with the way mycena grows; it enters into symbiosis with coniferous species. The peculiarity is that it grows only on fallen fir cones.
If the mushrooms are covered with rotted perennial pine litter or hidden under decaying dead wood, then the lower part of the fruiting body develops in the substrate. Only the caps protrude to the surface; the mushroom looks squat. This gives the false impression that the mycelium is located on rotting wood. Grows in all regions and types of forests where spruce trees predominate. Fruiting is long, the growing season begins immediately after the snow melts and before the onset of frost.
Is it possible to eat alkaline mycenae?
The chemical composition of alkaline mycena has been poorly studied; the species with a small fruiting body and fragile thin pulp does not have any nutritional value. The acrid chemical smell does not add to its popularity.
Conclusion
Alkaline mycena is common in coniferous and mixed forests, creates a symbiosis with spruce, or rather grows on fallen cones. Forms dense colonies from early spring until the onset of frost. A small mushroom with an unpleasant alkali odor has no nutritional value and is classified as an inedible species.
