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Page 1 of 3 September-October 2009
Mycena carmeliana
Mycena carmeliana
The genus Mycena contains many species of fungi. They are all decomposers,
colonising and rotting dead organic material ranging from litter and small twigs
to large logs. In Western Australia, Mycena carmeliana prefers to grow
on dead jarrah logs and large fallen branches that are in the very early stages
of decay; generally before the bark has fallen off. It grows in large colonies,
protruding from behind the bark through cracks or along the edge of the bark
where a portion of the wood is bare. The caps are generally 10-20 mm in diameter
with a brown centre and radial grooves around the margin. The stem has a distinctive
ginger or chestnut coloured base which resembles a short fluffy sock. The whole
fruit body has a weak to strong bleach- or ammonia-like odour. Most Mycenas,
including M. carmeliana fruit in the autumn.
In other parts of Australia, M. carmeliana can also be found fruiting
on litter in young radiata pine plantations as well as eucalypt wood and logs.
The Scientific name refers to the Greek/Latin term for mushroom and the describing scientist honouring her mother. Myc-: fungus or mushroom, mycena: the ancient term for mushroom, carmel-: named in honour of Carmel Grgurinovic, -iana: pertaining to.
Download Fungus of the Month (84.5 KB PDF)
Further Information: Richard Robinson
DEC Science Divison
Manjimup
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