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Mycena mucus is a mushroom with a very small size. Belongs to the Mycenaceae family (previously belonged to the Ryadovkov family), has several synonyms. For example, mycena slippery, sticky, lemon yellow, Mycena citrinella. This is due to such characteristics of the cap surface. The Latin name is Mycena epipterygia. Scientists have classified the fungus as a saprotroph, a living organism that destroys the dead parts of another living being. There are more than 20 varieties of mycena, but they all differ in small sizes.
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 slimy surface has a gray tint. The diameter is 1-1,8 cm, the maximum is 2 cm. Unripe fruiting bodies differ in that they have a hemispherical or convex cap with a ribbed edge. The edges may curl up, but the cap never becomes open. The main shape is bell-shaped. There is an adhesive layer on the edges. The cap is yellow-brown, sometimes transparent. It turns brown at the site of the cut or damage.
- The pulp has no pronounced odor. Whitish color with colorless juice. Very thin, plates are visible through it. Therefore, it is sometimes believed that the hat of the mycena is ribbed.
- The plates are thin and rare, white in color, adherent to the stem. Intermediate pronounced plates are observed between them.
- The stem is the most distinguishable part of the mushroom. It is also covered with mucus, remembered for its bright lemon color. Long and thin, dense, hollow. Length from 5 cm to 8 cm, thickness no more than 2 mm.
- Spores are colorless, elliptical in shape.
Where do mycenae mucous grow?
Mycena mucous can be found in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. They choose fallen coniferous needles or last year’s foliage as a place of growth. Often you can find a 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 the mycelium.
The most preferred tree species for mycena are pines and spruces. But leaf litter is also a good place to grow the mushroom variety. Fruiting enters the active phase from the end of summer and continues throughout autumn from early September to late November. Fruiting bodies are located in groups, but quite rarely in 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 does the variety look like in nature:
Is it possible to eat mucous mycenae
No highly toxic substances were found in the composition of the fungus, 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 a lot, and the flesh is very thin. Even a large amount of the crop will not make it possible to use mycena in the diet. Most often, the opinion of mushroom pickers is expressed quite delicately – it does not represent nutritional value.
Mushroom pickers do not collect slimy mycena, therefore, the suitability for consumption of the species is not reliably known. Experienced lovers of “quiet hunting” are advised not to take risks.
Conclusion
Mycena mucosa is found by mushroom pickers throughout Our Country. The study of characteristic external signs and photos will help not to waste time collecting fruiting bodies that are of no value.