What is bluey mushroom?

As an AI language model, I do not have personal experience with mushrooms, but I can provide factual information on the topic.

Bluey mushrooms are also known as blue mushrooms or entolomas. Their scientific name is Entoloma hochstetteri, and they are native to New Zealand. They are known for their vibrant blue color that ranges from electric blue to deep navy. The blue coloration comes from the presence of pigments called involutin and enthocyanin.

Bluey mushrooms grow in forested areas, particularly in damp, mossy regions. They can often be found growing on decaying wood or in soil enriched with wood chips or pine needles. They have a smooth, convex cap and white gills that turn blue as the mushroom matures. They typically grow to be about 5-10 cm in diameter.

Bluey mushrooms are not typically cultivated for consumption due to their bitter taste and potential toxicity. While some species of Entoloma mushrooms are edible, the bluey mushroom has been known to cause gastrointestinal issues and should not be consumed unless identified by an expert mycologist as safe for consumption. Therefore, bluey mushrooms are primarily admired for their unique appearance in the wild and as a subject for photography.