Mycena is a large genus of small saprotrophic mushrooms, meaning they obtain nutrients by consuming decaying organic matter. They are rarely more than a few centimeters in width and are characterized by:

• A white spore print
• A small conical or bell-shaped cap
• A thin fragile stem
• A translucent and striate cap
• Attached gills
• Some species have a chlorine (Mycena niveipes) or radish-like odor (Mycena pura).

Most are gray or brown, but a few species have brighter colors. Such as the bright orange Mycena leaiana or the yellow capped Mycena crocea. Some species, like Mycena haematopus, exude a red liquid when the stem is broken. Also see Mycena atkinsoniana at Indiana Mushrooms, which bleeds a yellowish liquid.

They are found all over the world and are particularly common in moist, wooded areas. They can be found growing on dead wood, leaf litter, and other decaying organic matter. Commonly found on logs.

Mycena Mushrooms at Indiana Fungi

See Mycenoid Mushrooms (with key) at MushroomExpert.Com

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