Description Mycena haematopus

1 description

1.1 microscopic characteristics
1.2 edibility
1.3 similar species

description

the fruit bodies of mycena haematopus reproductive structures produced cellular threads or hyphae grow in rotting wood. shape of cap of fruit body vary depending on maturity. young caps, or buttons , ovoid (egg-shaped) conical; later campanulate (bell-shaped), , fruit body matures, margins (cap edge) lift upward cap becomes flat umbo (a central nipple-shaped bump). grown cap can reach 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter. surface of cap appears dry , covered appears fine whitish powder, becomes polished , moist. mature caps appear translucent, , develop radial grooves mirroring position of gills underneath. color of cap reddish- or pinkish-brown, tinged violet, , paler towards edge. margin wavy edge of scallop, , may appear ragged because of lingering remnants of partial veil.

the mushroom flesh can range pale color of red wine (vinaceous), , has no distinctive odor. oozes red latex when cut. gills have adnate attachment stem, meaning more or less directly attached it. whitish or grayish vinaceous in color, , can develop reddish-brown stains. between 20 , 30 gills reach cap edge stem, resulting in gill spacing described close subdistant —gaps visible between adjacent gills. there additional gills, called lamellulae, not extend directly margin stem; these arranged in 2 or 3 series (tiers) of equal length. stem 9 cm (3.5 in) tall , 0.1 0.2 cm (0.04 0.08 in) thick, hollow , brittle, , dark reddish-brown color. in young fruit bodies, upper part of stem densely covered pale cinnamon-colored powder wears off age. stem has mass of coarse hairs @ base. cap, stem bleeds red latex when cut or broken.

mycena haematopus can parasitized spinellus fusiger, fungal species gives mushroom strikingly hairy appearance.

mycena haematopus parasitized bonnet mold spinellus fusiger


microscopic characteristics

the spore print white. spores elliptical, smooth, dimensions of 8–11 5–7 µm. amyloid, meaning absorb iodine when stained melzer s reagent. spore-bearing cells (basidia) 4-spored. sterile cells called cystidia numerous on edges on gills; measure 33–60 µm (sometimes 80) 9–12 µm. cystidia present on stipe (caulocystidia) appear in clusters, , clublike irregular in shape, measuring 20–55 3.5–12.5 µm. gill tissue contains numerous lactifers, cells produce latex secreted when cut.

the surface mycelium of m. haematopus whitish , fluffy. swelling @ terminal tips of hyphae (diameter 12 µm) present, not abundant, , moniliform hyphae rare. bioluminescence present, weak. extracellular oxidase enzymes present, consistent ecological role saprobe.

edibility

although sources claim m. haematopus edible, hardly worth collecting because of small size. other sources consider species inedible, or recommend avoiding consumption, since of them have not yet been tested toxins. taste of mushroom mild bitter.

similar species

another mycena produces reddish latex mycena sanguinolenta, terrestrial bleeding mycena . may distinguished m. haematopus in several ways: smaller, cap diameters between 0.3 1 cm (0.1 0.4 in) wide; grows in groups rather clusters; found on leaves, dead branches, moss beds , pine needle beds rather decaying wood; , edges of gills consistently dark brownish-red. furthermore, range of cap color in m. sanguinolenta different in m. haematopus, varying reddish-to orange-brown, , lacks band of partial veil remnants hanging margin.