Melanoleuca stridula ?

[chrisjohnson]

I think this may be Melanoleuca stridula, but as a novice would appreciate comments. Photographed 24/08/09 in damp acid heather damp moorland on the edge of an old plantation, South Uist, Western Isles.
Thank you

Chris

[Ditiola]

Hi
Melanaleuca's tend to have lager caps that open out flat. Your specimen appears to be remaining Bell shaped I think you have a Mycena. Probably Mycena galopus var. nigra. Did it bleed any juice from the stem when cut? (What do you mean you did not try) If you pass that way again try this out. If it is M.galopus the juice will be white.

Did you make a spore print to check the spore colour? You should always make a spore print!

Peter

[SheffieldLass]

Do you have any gill shots? I was thinking it might be an Entoloma, if the gills were turning pinkish. They can have pointy caps like those, and often come in that brownish shade ....

Melanie

[Ditiola]

Yes Melanie is quite right, it could be an Entoloma

This is where the 'Spore Print' is so important

If you have not made one yet, get straight on with it!

Entoloma spores are a pale brownish pink

Peter

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

Yes Melanie is quite right, it could be an Entoloma

This is where the 'Spore Print' is so important

If you have not made one yet, get straight on with it!

Entoloma spores are a pale brownish pink

Peter

As the photo was taken on 24/08/09 I think it might be a bit late to get a spore print

I know I would say this but I agree with your first suggestion that it could be a Mycena.

Mal

[fairplay]

Chris,

I'm more interested as to why you thought these may be M.stridula - what source did you refer to please ?

Neil.

[chrisjohnson]

Many thanks for the helpful replies.
No, Peter, I didn't cut it, or do anything else for that matter! Will do better next year.
Neil - I am using Michael Joedan's "The Encyclopedia of Fungi of Britain and Europe". Melanoleuca stridula was the only fungus I could find that matched the colour and had the 'knob' effect on the cap. Mycena galopus doesn't show this feature in Jordan. Admittendly, the habitat requirement didn't quite match. Can you suggest a better or additional guide?
Chris

[fairplay]

Hello Chris,

Michael Jordan's book is pretty comprehensive and hard to beat (however one defines that). Slightly more up to date is the latest from Roger Phillips, but this does not include anything about M.stridula (equally, MJ's book does not include everything RP's contains - both have to be compromises out of necessity)
The latest offering is from Collins and although pocket sized, has managed to squeeze in an awful lot - some like it, some don't, I do !

Neil.

Will you let go of my arm now Michael ?

[chrisjohnson]

Hi Neil
Thanks for the books info. I wasn't aware that the new Collins guide was available, I will order it. I will reserve judgement on the Roger Philips's book until I can see a copy. His website doesn't inspire me.
Chris