This Friday’s fungus is cruentomycena viscidocruenta, commonly known as red bonnet. It is a small basidiomycete with a blood-red, translucent parasol cap and a thin, deep red stipe (stem), both of which are coated in glutinous slime. The prefix cruento- and suffix –cruenta come from the Latin adjective cruentus, meaning bloodstained or blood-red, are given to the mushroom for its striking colour. Cruentomycena viscidocruenta is also bioluminescent, however, unlike other bioluminescent mushroom species that glow from the cap or gills, the bioluminescence comes from the mycelium. Cruentomycena viscidocruenta grows on twigs or rotting wood in moist, forested areas, and is found in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
^ Bioluminescent mycelium of cruentomycena viscidocruenta specimens growing on a leaf and a twig
