Pixies Parasol (Mycena interrupta)
Mushroom Identification
🧿 Mycena interrupta, also known as Pixies Parasol, is a stunning blue mushroom found in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Chile. In Australia, it is present in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland's Lamington National Park. You’ll typically find it in rainforests or beech and eucalyptus forests, growing in small colonies on rotting, moist wood.
🔍 Description
1️⃣ Cap: Small, measuring 0.31 to 0.79 inches (0.8 to 2 cm) in diameter. The vibrant blue cap is spherical when young, becoming convex with a slight depression at the center as it matures. Its sticky, slimy surface is especially noticeable in wet weather.
2️⃣ Stipe: Tiny, at 0.39 to 0.79 inches (1 to 2 cm) long and 1–2 mm thick, white and smooth, connected to wood by a small flat white disk.
3️⃣ Gills: White, with blue edges, adding to its striking look.
4️⃣ Spores: Smooth, ellipsoid, measuring 7–10 x 4–6 µm, and leaving a white spore print.
🌳 Ecology
Mycena interrupta is saprotrophic, feeding on decaying wood in rainforests and eucalyptus or southern beech forests. It often grows sideways from rotting tree trunks, resulting in a curved stem.
⚠️ Edibility & Psychedelic Properties
Mycena interrupta is neither edible nor psychedelic. It is far too small for culinary use, and although many species in the Mycena genus are toxic, this one is not considered dangerous. However, it does not contain any psychoactive compounds, so it’s not suitable for consumption in any form.
✨ Unique Features
Unlike some other species in the Mycena genus, Mycena interrupta is not bioluminescent. However, its rare and beautiful blue color sets it apart. Though some blue-capped Entoloma species may resemble it, they grow on soil and have opaque caps.
🧚♀️ With its brilliant blue hues and magical woodland presence, the Pixies Parasol is a treat to find—just remember, it’s best enjoyed by the eyes, not by the taste buds!
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: Brendan Costello (Public Domain)
Photo 2 - Author: Brendan Costello (Public Domain)
Photo 3 - Author: Peter Crowcroft (Public Domain)
Photo 4 - Author: Peter Crowcroft (Public Domain)
Photo 5 - Author: Heather Merrylees (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 6 - Author: Alan Rockefeller (CC BY-SA 4.0)
