In nature, there exists a kind of crystal - clear blue mushroom that never fails to draw people's attention. The scientific name of this mushroom is Mycena interrupta, and it also goes by the aliases of Fairy - blue Mushroom and Sky - blue Mushroom. It belongs to the large fungi of the genus Mycena in the family Mycenaceae of the order Agaricales.
This mushroom is a "southern hemisphere exclusive", mainly distributed in New Zealand, Tasmania in Australia, and parts of India. It typically grows in moist soil, especially in the litter and moss of broad - leaved forests and podocarp forests3. The Mycena interrupta is small in size, with a cap that can reach a maximum diameter of 5 centimeters and a stipe that can grow up to about 10 centimeters tall. What makes it truly remarkable is its indigo - blue color, which is so vivid and transparent that it seems to glow from within. When it is young, it is entirely blue, but as it matures, the intense blue color gradually fades, giving way to a more delicate blue or gray - white hue.
Despite its captivating appearance, the edibility of Mycena interrupta remains uncertain. Since most mushrooms in the same genus are toxic, it is best to admire this beautiful fungus from a distance and avoid any attempt to consume it. Instead, we should appreciate its important role in nature. As a "decomposer of dead wood", it plays a vital part in the forest ecosystem, helping to break down dead wood and leaves, and recycle nutrients, thus maintaining the ecological balance of the forest.
