Fleshy Fungi of New Brunswick >> Mycena pura

Mycena pura (Pers.) P. Kumm.

Picture of Mycena pura 31-08-18/01 Picture of Mycena pura 06-10-20/02

Two collections:

As illustrated by the two collections shown here, M. pura is a highly variable species. In fact, various authors, both North American and European, have pointed out that there are probably several species hiding under this name. Molecular studies, combined with morphology, will undoubtedly clarify this issue, but for now we find ourselves unable to do more than follow the old concepts.

The best guide for this and other species of Mycena in North America is the monograph by Alexander H. Smith (North American Species of Mycena, Univ. Mich. Press, 1947), a voluminous work meticulously documenting the morphology and taxonomy of this large genus. He discussed M. pura at some length, describing its great variabililty, but finally admitting that he could find no reliable basis for subdivding it.

Typically, the two collections presented here are somewhat at odds with Smith's description and from each other. Collection 06-10-20/02 has a very fragile stipe and basidiospores narrower than those described by Smith, while Collection 31-08-18/01 has a more robust and strongly coloured stipe and basidiospores broader than those described by Smith. The habitats for the two collections are also quite different.

Photograph: D. Malloch (31-08-18/01, 06-10-20/02).