Content
Mycena polygramma is a lamellar fungus from the Ryadovkov family (Tricholomataceae). It is also called Mitcena streaky or Mitcena ruddy-footed. The genus includes more than two hundred varieties, of which sixty are widespread in Russia. For the first time Mycenae striped was described by the French mycologist Bouillard at the end of the 18th century, but he incorrectly classified it. The error was corrected 50 years later when Frederick Gray assigned the striped species to the genus Mitzen. They are ubiquitous and belong to the variety of litter saprotrophs. They have bioluminescent properties, but their glow is difficult to catch with the naked eye.
What mycenae striped look like
Mycenae striped miniature. When it appears, the tiny cap has the shape of an ovoid hemisphere. Young mushrooms have a noticeable edge of thin villi on the cap, which persist for quite a long time. Then its edges are slightly straightened, turning into a bell with a rounded top. As it grows, the cap straightens out and Mycena striped becomes like an umbrella, with a pronounced tubercle in the center. Sometimes its edges are bent upward, forming a saucer-like shape with a lump in the center.
Mycena striped has a smooth, thin, like a lacquer cap, with barely noticeable radial stripes. Its diameter is from 1.3 to 4 cm. Sometimes a whitish-mealy bloom is found on it. The color is white-silver, grayish or greenish-gray. The plates protrude slightly, making the edge fringed and slightly ragged.
The plates are rare, free, from 30 to 38 pieces. Dense, not accreted to the stem. Their edges can be jagged, torn. The color is white-yellowish, lighter than the cap. In an overgrown mushroom, they turn reddish-brown. Often in adult mushrooms, rust-colored dots appear on the plates. Spores are pure white, 8-10X6-7 microns, ellipsoidal, smooth.
The stem is fibrous, elastic-sinewy, slightly expanding towards the root into a tapered outgrowth. It has clearly defined longitudinal grooves. It is this feature that entered the name of the species: striped. Sometimes the scars are bent in a spiral along the leg, along with the fibers. The surface is very smooth, without bends or bulges. Inside, the leg is hollow; the root may have an almost imperceptible edge of fine fibers. Strongly elongated relative to the cap, it can grow from 3 to 18 cm, thin, the diameter does not exceed 2-5 mm and smooth, without scales. The color is ash-white, or slightly bluish, much lighter than that of the cap. It is so thin that it appears transparent. It is quite difficult to break it, though.
Where Mycenae striatopods grow
This representative of the Mitsen family can be found in all regions of Russia with the exception of the Far North. It appears amicably in mid-late June and continues to bear fruit abundantly until frost. It usually disappears in late October or early November, and in the southern regions by the end of December.
Mycenae striped are not picky about the place of growth or neighbors. They can be found both in coniferous forests and spruce forests, and in deciduous forests. Usually grow on old stumps and rotten fallen deciduous trunks or near, in the roots of growing trees. They love the neighborhood of oak, linden and maple.But they can appear in old clearings in overheated sawdust and wood chips. This type of mushroom promotes the processing of fallen leaves and wood residues into fertile soil - humus.
Is it possible to eat mycenae striped
The striped mycena does not contain toxic substances in its composition, it does not belong to the poisonous species. But due to its low nutritional value, it is classified as an inedible mushroom and it is not recommended to eat it.
The pulp is gristly and very hard, has a slight garlic odor and a rather pungent taste. It is impossible to confuse it with other varieties of mushrooms due to its characteristic fine-cube stem and almost white plates.
Conclusion
Mycenae striped is a grayish-brown mushroom with a high thin stem and a small umbrella-cap. It grows everywhere, on the territory of the Russian Federation and in Europe. It is quite rare in North America, as well as in Japan and the Falkland Islands. Striped mycenae is not demanding on climate or soil. Fruiting Mycena striped-legged from mid-summer to late autumn, and in the south - until mid-winter, until the snow falls. Due to the special structure of the leg with a longitudinal fine scar, it is easy to distinguish it from other Mycenes or other species. Striped mycenae is not toxic, however, it is not eaten due to its characteristic taste and low nutritional value.
