Mycena alkaline (Mycena alcalina) photo and description

Mycena alkaline (Mycena alcalina)

Alkaline mycena (Mycena alcalina) is a fungus belonging to the Mycena family, the genus Mycenae. It also has other names: Mycena gray и Mycena cone-loving.

External description of the fungus

In young alkaline mycenae, the cap has a hemispherical shape, but as it matures, it becomes almost prostrate. However, in its central part, a characteristic tubercle almost always remains. The diameter of the cap of the alkaline mycena 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 visible along its edges. It has a characteristic chemical-alkaline odor.

The spores are white, almost transparent, in color. The stem of the mushroom is quite long. But this is imperceptible, since most of it is under the cones. Inside the stem is empty, the color is the same as the hat or a little lighter. At the bottom, the color of the stem often turns yellowish. in the lower part of the leg, characteristic cobweb growths are visible, which are part of the mycelium.

Habitat and fruiting period

The fruiting period of alkaline mycena begins in May, continuing throughout the autumn. The fungus is found in many regions of the country, characterized by an abundance of fruiting bodies. You can see it only on spruce cones, since alkaline mycena 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 mycena 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

There is currently no information on whether alkaline mycena is edible, 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 flesh has a sharp and unpleasant chemical odor.

Similar species, distinctive features from them

It is impossible to confuse caustic mycena with any other type of mushroom of the genus Mycenus, since this plant has a well-distinguished chemical smell, similar to gas or alkali. In addition, caustic mycena grows in a specific place in the middle of fallen spruce cones. It is possible to confuse a mushroom with another species, perhaps, by name, but by no means in appearance.

On the territory of the Moscow region, alkaline mycena is a rather rare specimen of mushrooms, therefore it was included in the Red Book of the Moscow region.