Stropharia aeruginosa - Строфария сине-зелёная - Verdigris Agaric

Stropharia aeruginosa - Строфария сине-зелёная - Verdigris Agaric - Grünspan-Träuschling 10/1/11—10/6/24

Stropharia aeruginosa, also known as the Verdigris Agaric or Grünspan-Träuschling in German, is a small to medium-sized mushroom species in the family Strophariaceae. The cap of this mushroom typically ranges from 2 to 5 cm in diameter, with a convex to flat shape, often with a small central umbo. The cap surface is slimy, covered in a striking blue-green color, which fades to yellowish-brown with age. The gills of Stropharia aeruginosa are adnate, initially pale gray but turning purplish-brown as the spores mature. The stem is 3-8 cm long and 0.3-0.6 cm thick, with a pale blue to whitish color and a fibrous texture. This mushroom species can be found in a variety of habitats, such as deciduous and coniferous forests, grasslands, and gardens across Europe, Asia, and North America. It usually grows on dead wood, leaf litter, or other organic matter from spring to late autumn. The chemistry of Stropharia aeruginosa is not well known, but it is considered inedible due to its slimy texture and potential gastrointestinal irritants. The spores of Stropharia aeruginosa are purplish-brown, elliptical, and measure 7-11 x 4-6.5 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. The unique blue-green color of Stropharia aeruginosa is due to the presence of a pigment called aeruginascin, which is related to indole alkaloids such as psilocybin. Some research suggests that Stropharia aeruginosa may possess antibacterial properties, with extracts from the fruiting bodies inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria in laboratory tests.