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Mycena pink belongs to the Mycene family, the Mycena genus. In common parlance, this species is called pink. The mushroom got its nickname due to the pinkish color of the cap, which makes it very attractive. However, you should be careful with this instance. Despite its delicate and completely edible appearance, it contains toxic substances, which is why this mushroom is not recommended to be eaten. Below is detailed information about mycene one-time: what it looks like, where it grows, how to distinguish it from twins.
What pink mycenae look like
The fruiting body consists of a cap and a stem with the following characteristics:
- The diameter of the cap varies from 2.5 to 6 cm. At the initial stage of development, one has a conical shape with a small tubercle located in the center. As it matures and ages, the cap becomes convex or outstretched. It is colored pink, old fruits are characterized by a yellowish-ocher color, lighter towards the edges, and saturated in the center. The surface is smooth, radially ribbed, watery-transparent.
- Mycena pink has a cylindrical stem, slightly widened at the base. Its length reaches about 10 cm, and its thickness varies from 0.4 to 1 cm in diameter. Painted white or pink. The flesh of the leg is very fibrous.
- The plates are wide, loose, sparse, white or pale pink. With age, they grow to the leg.
- Spores are colorless, elliptical, amyloid, 5-7 x 3-4 microns in size. Spore powder is white.
- The pulp is thin, white, closer to the surface, you can see a slight pinkish tint. It is characterized as a mushroom with a rare odor and an expressionless taste.
Where pink mycenae grow
The best time for fruiting is from July to November. In the southern part of Russia, an active growth of mycene rosea has been observed since the beginning of May. Grows in deciduous and mixed forests, located among fallen old leaves. Most often found under beech or oak. It grows both one at a time and in small groups.
Is it possible to eat mycenae pink
Most experts classify this species as a poisonous mushroom. It is worth noting that the composition of mycene pink contains the element muscarine, which can cause severe poisoning if ingested. Some publications indicate that this species has low toxicity, and therefore is considered harmless to the human body. However, it is not recommended to use mycena rosea for food. In addition, it should be alerted that there are no facts of use and various recipes for preparing dishes based on this ingredient.
In case of using this ingredient, you should remove the poison from the body and contact a medical institution where the victim can receive the necessary course of treatment.
Similar species
A huge variety of mushrooms are concentrated in the forest, some of them are similar in certain characteristics to pink mycene.The following examples can be attributed to doubles:
- Mycena clean... It is inedible, like the entire Mitsenov family. The hat can be painted white, pink or purple. The twin has a bell-shaped cap at a young age, then straightens, but the upper part remains convex. It is this feature that distinguishes pure mycena from pink.
- Lilac lacquer... In shape, it resembles the species under consideration. The surface is smooth, painted in lilac color, acquires a whitish or ocher hue with age. You can distinguish this specimen from mycene pink by the convex area on the cap. In addition, the double has a pleasant smell and delicate taste. Considered conditionally edible.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that mycena pink looks tender and attractive, it is not recommended to eat it. The tissues of this fungus contain muscarinic alkaloids, as well as hallucinogenic elements of the indole group. The above substances, when ingested, can cause poisoning and provoke visual and auditory hallucinations.
