Mycena luxaeterna
Fungi speciesAbout
Mycena luxaeterna, known as the "eternal light mushroom," is a captivating bioluminescent fungus found in the Atlantic rainforests of São Paulo, Brazil. It was named after Mozart's 'Requiem', reflecting its enchanting nature. This rare species thrives on decomposing twigs and occasionally dead leaves, growing in clusters of two to twenty individuals. The mushroom features a parachute-shaped cap that matures from dark grayish-brown to pale grayish-yellow with a white ring at the edge. The stems of Mycena luxaeterna are thin, cylindrical, hollow, and covered in a thick gel, emitting a constant yellow-green bioluminescence. The caps do not glow. The mushroom has a slightly radish-like smell and a bitter taste, making it unappealing for consumption. Despite its beauty, it lacks nutritional or medicinal value and is primarily valued for its unique bioluminescence and rarity. Its discovery has contributed to the understanding of luminescent fungi, which are believed to glow to attract nocturnal animals for spore dispersal.
