Content
Mycena mucosa is a mushroom with a very small size. Belongs to the Mycenaceae family (previously belonged to the Ryadovkov family), has several synonyms. For example, the slippery, sticky, lemon-yellow mycena, Mycena citrinella. This is due to the characteristics of the cap surface. Latin name: Mycena epipterygia. Scientists have classified the fungus as a saprotroph, living organisms that destroy dead parts of another living creature. There are more than 20 varieties of mycena, but they are all small in size.
What do mucous mycenae look like?
The appearance of the mushroom is quite peculiar. Even inexperienced lovers of “silent hunting” will be able to identify him without any problems:
- The cap with a mucous surface has a gray tint. The diameter is 1-1.8 cm, the maximum is 2 cm.Unripe fruiting bodies are distinguished by the fact that their cap is hemispherical or convex with a ribbed edge. The edges may bend upward, but the cap never becomes outstretched. The main shape is bell-shaped. There is an adhesive layer at the edges. The cap is yellow-brown in color, sometimes transparent. It turns brown at the site of the cut or damage.
- The pulp has no distinct odor. Whitish in color with colorless juice. Very thin, the plates can be seen through it. Therefore, it is sometimes believed that the mycena cap is ribbed.
- The plates are thin and sparse, white in color, adherent to the stem. Intermediate distinct plates are observed between them.
- The stalk is the most distinctive part of the mushroom. It is also covered with mucus and is memorable for its bright lemon color. Long and thin, dense, hollow. Length from 5 cm to 8 cm, thickness no more than 2 mm.
- The spores are colorless, elliptical in shape.
Where do Mycenae mucosa grow?
Mycena mucosa can be found in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. They choose fallen pine needles or last year's foliage as their place of growth. You can often find the fungus on surfaces covered with moss or on the remains of rotten wood. By the way, it is the moss cover that contributes to the good development of mycelium.
The most preferred tree species for mycena are pine and spruce. But leaf litter is also a good place for the mushroom variety to grow. Fruiting enters the active phase from the end of summer and continues throughout the fall from early September to late November. Fruiting bodies are located in groups, but quite rarely on the territory. The species is found in almost all regions, from the north to Kazakhstan or Novosibirsk, as well as in the Crimea, the Caucasus, Siberia (Eastern and Western).
What the variety looks like in nature:
Is it possible to eat mucous mycenae?
No highly toxic substances were found in the mushroom, but scientists classified it as inedible. Although mycena mucosa does not pose much harm to human health. The problem is the small size of the fruiting bodies. Because of this, they are very difficult to collect and impossible to cook - they break down a lot, and the pulp is very thin. Even a large amount of harvest will not make it possible to use mycena in the diet. Most often, the opinion of mushroom pickers is expressed quite delicately - it has no nutritional value.
Mucous mycena is not collected by mushroom pickers, so the suitability of the species for consumption is not reliably known. Experienced lovers of “silent hunting” advise not to take risks.
Conclusion
Mycena mucosa is found by mushroom pickers throughout Russia. Studying characteristic external signs and photos will help you avoid wasting time collecting fruiting bodies that are of no value.
