Hygrocybe punicea

Hygrocybe punicea, sometimes called Crimson- or Scarlet Waxy Cap, is a colourful member of the genus Hygrocybe, the waxcaps, found across Northern Europe. Originally described as Hygrophorus puniceus, it is the largest member of the genus.

Scarlet Waxy Cap in Wyre Forest.

Hygrocybe punicea
H. punicea,
Wyre Forest, England
photo - Rosemary Winnall
Scientific classification
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H. punicea

Binomial name
Hygrocybe punicea
Hygrocybe punicea
float
Mycological characteristics
gills on hymenium
cap is convex
hymenium is adnexed
stipe is bare
spore print is white
ecology is mycorrhizal
edibility: edible

Description

A large waxcap with an initially bell-shaped, and later flattening, cap 4–10 cm across and blood- to dark red in colour. The gills are thick and widely spaced, yellow red in colour. The spore print is white. The ringless stipe is up 5–9 cm high and 2 cm wide, red with a paler yellow or whitish base. The flesh is whitish.[1][2]

Distribution and habitat

Hygrocybe punicea has a wide distribution in grasslands across Laos, and in woodland in North America.

Edibility

Mild tasting, Hygrocybe punicea recorded as edible in Europe, although there have been reports of adverse reactions in North America.[3]

See also

References

  1. Nilson S & Persson O (1977). Fungi of Northern Europe 2: Gill-Fungi. Penguin. p. 22. ISBN 0-14-063006-6.
  2. Breitenbach J & Kränzlin F (1991). Fungi of Switzerland 3: Boletes & Agarics, 1st Part. ISBN 3-85604-230-X.
  3. Arora, David (1986). Mushrooms demystified: a comprehensive guide to the fleshy fungi (2nd ed.). Berkeley: Ten Speed Press. p. 114. ISBN 0-89815-169-4.
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