Quote:
Originally Posted by moira567  Thanks for the help - I have had a look at the stems this morning (in the pouring rain !) and the stem is white so it is M. rosea. |
Unfortunately, when you look at the monographs such as the one by Robich, it isn't quite that straightforward.
Mycena rosea can have a pink stem and
Mycena pura can have a white stem.
Here is what one expert has to say about the differences:
"In spite of the fact that Mycena rosea, once shown, is easily distinguishable from M. pura already in the field, it is rather embarrassing to find that the differences are not readily translated into words and it is rather a surprise to learn that microscopically there is no difference between the two species."
In other words, over time you just get a feel for it. Not very scientific though.
Ken