The magical mini mushroom was first spotted by Eric Cho, a 32-year-old pharmacist by profession and a passionate nature explorer in his spare time. Cho's keen eye for detail led him to this unique find near 150, Section 3, Zhishan Road, in Taipei City's Shilin District.
Upon hearing about a "special tiny mushroom" in the Bixi Trail from his friend Chiang Pei-ying, Cho embarked on a quest to find this elusive species. His efforts paid off when he found one on a piece of wood, which he diligently took home for further examination.
Initially, the mushroom appeared to be a dull grayish-white color. Hoping to witness some bioluminescence, Cho experimented by turning off all the lights at night, but the mushroom remained dark. Despite this, Cho didn't lose hope and began to care for the mushroom, keeping it moist by spraying it daily.
After three long months, on March 7, Cho was pleasantly surprised to find a new spawn on the wood. This wasn't just any spawn – it was a spectacular blue-colored growth that had emerged. This radiant hue was what set the Mycena Subcyanocephala apart, earning it the spotlight among the mushroom enthusiasts and beyond.
According to a research paper titled "Two new species of Mycena in Taiwan," the blue color is a characteristic feature of the young Mycena Subcyanocephala. As the mushroom matures, the intense blue fades to a light-blue or whitish hue.
Captivated by the fascinating transformation of the mushroom, Cho decided to share his discovery with the world. He posted photos of the blue mushroom on iNaturalist, a social network for nature enthusiasts. The images quickly gained popularity, garnering 8,422 likes, 2,219 retweets, and 307 quote retweets, making the discovery a viral sensation.
To give an idea of the mushroom's size, Cho compared it with a human finger in one of his photos. The mushroom's petite stature, coupled with its vibrant color, creates a whimsical, otherworldly aura that is hard to ignore.
The discovery of the Mycena Subcyanocephala has not only fascinated netizens around the globe, but it has also sparked a renewed interest in the field of mycology. It serves as a reminder of the countless wonders of nature that remain unexplored and the potential discoveries that await us in our own backyards.
In conclusion, the story of the Mycena Subcyanocephala is a story of patience, dedication, and the thrill of discovery. It showcases the beauty of nature in its minutest forms and reminds us that sometimes, the smallest things can hold the biggest surprises. It invites us all to look closer, to explore deeper, and to appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Post a Comment