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Mycena pure (Mycena pura) is a rare saprophore mushroom of the Mycena family. Considered hallucinogenic because it contains the toxin muscarine. The area of growth of mushrooms is quite wide. Representatives of the genus can be found all over the world, from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern latitudes. They grow both on flat terrain and in the mountains.
What do clean mycenae look like?
Mycena pure is small in size. The size of the cap is not more than 2-5 cm. At the beginning of growth, it resembles a hemisphere, later it takes on a blunt-bell-shaped or wide-conical shape. Over time, the hat becomes prostrate, but with a convex center. Its flesh is thin, with small hairs along the edge. The color of the hat can be varied – white, pink, bluish-gray, light purple, purple.
The leg of mycena is clean, even, slightly thickened towards the base. Length – 4-8 cm, thickness 0,2-0,8 cm. The leg is smooth, hollow, sometimes slightly twisted, slightly lighter than the cap, especially in the upper part. The pulp of the mushroom is quite watery, with a characteristic alkaline odor. The plates fused with the stalk are wide and rarely located. Their color is quite light, ranging from white to pink.
Where pure mycenae grow
Mycena pure grows in Europe, Southwest Asia and America. It grows mainly in small groups in coniferous and deciduous litter, consisting of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, twigs, fruits and bark. There is also pure mycena among deadwood of hardwood. Occasionally it can also grow on mossy spruce trunks. Mushrooms love rich soil, but can also bear fruit on poor soils. The period of intensive growth of pure mycena is the beginning of spring and the middle of summer. Occasionally, fruiting is observed in the autumn.
Is it possible to eat clean mycenae
Eating pure mycena is strictly prohibited. Muscari-like alkaloids in the composition make it poisonous, and, consequently, hazardous to health. Also pure mycenae are hallucinogenic mushrooms, as they contain psychotropic substances of the indole group. They have mushrooms and a rather unpleasant and repulsive smell, making them unsuitable for consumption.
Symptoms of poisoning
Pure mycena pulp contains muscarine, which causes contraction of muscle tissue, in particular, the stomach, spleen, bladder, uterus. It also provokes an increased secretion of gastric juice and bile. There is a narrowing of the pupils, increased salivation.
Symptoms of pure mycena poisoning develop very quickly. The first signs can be noticed after 30 minutes.
The main symptoms of poisoning are:
- diarrhea;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- dizziness;
- overexcitement;
- the need for physical activity;
- the state of alcohol intoxication;
- convulsions;
- shiver;
- rapid pulse and heartbeat;
- respiratory failure;
- decrease in body temperature.
The recovery of the body during recovery is too slow, and the blood coagulates very poorly.
Toxic substances found in mushrooms cause auditory and visual hallucinations. Changes in visual and sound perception are manifested by the following symptoms:
- speech changes;
- increased sensitivity to voices and sounds;
- music is heard differently;
- surrounding objects begin to move;
- colors are distorted.
First aid for poisoning
First aid in case of pure mycena poisoning consists of the following procedures:
- Washing the intestines and stomach using enemas and emetics. The victim should be given a warm soda or manganese solution to drink. The amount of liquid should be quite large. Then it is necessary to press on the root of the tongue, thereby causing a gag reflex.
- Take activated charcoal dissolved in water at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight.
- Consuming large amounts of castor oil.
- Subcutaneous injection of atropine, which is an antidote for muscarine. Manipulation should be carried out in a medical institution, in a hospital setting.
Conclusion
Pure Mycena is a poisonous hallucinogenic mushroom that is quite common in forests. It contains very dangerous substances that not only distort the surrounding reality, but also pose a serious threat to human health and even life. You can avoid negative consequences by providing the poisoned person with timely and correct first aid.