Hygrocybe punicea

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Hygrocybe
H. punicea, Wyre Forest, England photo - Rosemary Winnall
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi Division: Basidiomycota Class: Homobasidiomycetes Order: Agaricales Family: Hygrophoraceae Genus: Hygrocybe Species: H. punicea
Binomial name
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.

Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution and habitat 3 Edibility 4 References 5 External links

[edit] 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.

[edit] Distribution and habitat

Widely occurring in grasslands across Europe.

[edit] Edibility

Mild tasting, Hygrocybe punicea is edible

[edit] References

• Nilson S & Persson O (1977). Fungi of Northern Europe 2: Gill-Fungi. Penguin. 
• Breitenbach J & Kränzlin F (1991). Fungi of Switzerland 3: Boletes & Agarics, 1st Part. ISBN 3-85604-230-X. 

[edit] External links

• California Fungi page on Hygrocybe punicea