description Mycena chlorophos Overview
Mycena chlorophos is a small bioluminescent mushroom recorded in subtropical and tropical parts of Asia and the Pacific. Its pale fruiting bodies emit greenish light, particularly from the gills, through a fungal luciferin and luciferase reaction that produces light with little heat. It grows on decaying plant material in humid forest conditions and is primarily of interest to mycologists, ecologists, and researchers studying fungal bioluminescence.
help Mycena chlorophos FAQ
Why does Mycena chlorophos glow green?
The mushroom produces light through a bioluminescent luciferin and luciferase reaction rather than reflecting stored sunlight. The green emission is strongest in the cap and gills. [PubMed study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26280456/)
Where does Mycena chlorophos grow, and how long does its glow last?
It is primarily recorded in Southeast Asia and other subtropical or tropical parts of Asia and the Pacific. Under conditions near 20 degrees Celsius with high humidity, the fruiting bodies can glow for about two days.
Which parts of Mycena chlorophos glow most strongly?
Both the cap and gills can emit light, but the upper region of the gills is brighter than the lower region. The light is associated with tissues in the gill surface, while the stem produces little or no visible glow.
Is the green light from Mycena chlorophos just fluorescence under a black light?
No. Its characteristic green emission is bioluminescence, meaning the mushroom makes the light through a chemical reaction. A black light is not required for that process.
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