Content
Mycena mucosa is a very small mushroom. Belongs to the Mycenaceae family (formerly belonged to the Ryadovkov family), has several synonyms. For example, mycena is slippery, sticky, lemon yellow, Mycena citrinella. This is due to such characteristics of the surface of the cap. The Latin name is Mycena epipterygia. Scientists have ranked the fungus among saprotrophs, living organisms that destroy the dead parts of another living creature. There are more than 20 varieties of mycene, but they are all small in size.
What mycene mucous membranes look like
The appearance of the mushroom is rather peculiar. Even inexperienced fans of "quiet hunting" will be able to identify it without any problems:
- The cap with a mucous surface has a gray tint. The diameter is 1-1.8 cm, the maximum is 2 cm. Immature fruiting bodies are distinguished by the fact that they have a hemispherical or convex cap with a ribbed edge. The edges may curl upward, but the cap never becomes open. The main form is bell-shaped. There is a sticky layer on the edges. The hat is yellow-brown in color, sometimes transparent. It turns brown at the site of cut or damage.
- The pulp does not have a pronounced odor. Off-white with colorless juice. Very thin, the plates are visible through it. Therefore, it is sometimes believed that the cap of the mycene is ribbed.
- The plates are thin and rare, white in color, adherent to the stem. Between them, intermediate pronounced plates are observed.
- The stem is the most distinctive part of the mushroom. It is also covered in slime and is 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.
Where mycene mucous membranes grow
Mycene mucosa can be found in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. They choose fallen needles or last year's foliage as a place of growth. The fungus can often be found on moss-covered surfaces or on rotted wood. By the way, it is the moss cover that contributes to the good development of the mycelium.
The most preferred tree species for mycene are pines and spruces. But leaf litter is also a good place to grow the mushroom variety. Fruiting enters an active phase from the end of summer and lasts all autumn from the beginning of September to the end of November. Fruit bodies are located in groups, but rarely enough on 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 (East and West).
What a variety looks like in nature:
Is it possible to eat mycene mucous
Strongly toxic substances were not found in the composition of the fungus, but scientists classified it as inedible. Although the mucous membrane does not represent much harm to human health. The small size of the fruit bodies is a problem. 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 harvest 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 mucous mycene, therefore, it is not known for certain whether the species is suitable for consumption. Experienced lovers of "quiet hunting" advise not to risk it.
Conclusion
Mycena mucosa is found in mushroom pickers throughout Russia. Studying the characteristic external signs and photos will help not to waste time collecting fruit bodies that are not of value.
