The waxcap fungi of Essex
This is another small, yellow to orange toadstool with a sticky cap and a slightly sticky stalk
immediately after collecting it, unlike the always dry stalk of H. ceraceus. The stalk is often
yellow with an orange top, but may be entirely orange to reddish. Usually the gills ran down the
stalk.
2ADB; 3 ADB; 6 ADB; 15 ADB(EWT); 20ADB; 31 ADB; 40 RB; 41 ADB; 75 IR; 76 IR; 77
IR; 82 IR(EWT).
Hygrocybe punicea
Crimson Waxcap
It is a very large waxcap with a dark red cap, which is sticky. The stalk is broad and covered in
red fibres running down its length with a yellow background colour. The gills are narrowly
attached to the stalk.
2 ADB; 25 ADB; 28 MG; 87 GP(EWT).
Hygrocybe aurantiosplendens
Orange Waxcap
A medium sized toadstool with an orange-yellow to orange-red cap and a slightly paler stalk.
The cap is sticky to slimy. The gills are similarly coloured and narrowly attached to the stalk,
which is covered with longitudinal fibres, and sometimes with a whitish powdery bloom,
especially near the top. More than 50% of the spores are constricted in the middle. This species
has been recorded once in Essex and requires confirmation. It is listed in Annex 3 B, i.e.
medium level concern with widespread losses and some evidence of steady decline with some
national extinctions.
2 ADB.
Hygrocybe mucronella (=Hygrocyhe reai)
Bitter Waxcap
A small, reddish toadstool, which is sticky immediately after collecting, but soon dries leaving
the stalk sticky for a longer time than the cap. The gills arc deep orange. It has a distinct, bitter
taste when touched with the tip of the tongue. Many of the spores are widened at the base
making them nearly triangular. It is a distinctive species of limited distribution.
2 ADB(EWT); 93 AFP.
Hygrocybe helobia
A small, bright red toadstool with a dry cap covered in minute scales. It is a very fragile fungus
with a faint smell of garlic, especially if placed in a small pot for ten minutes. It was found in a
heathland area in woodland, which is an unusual habitat for a waxcap.
42 GP(EWT); 81 GP(EWT)
Hygrocybe calyptriformis (=Hygrocybe calyptraeformis) (=Hygrophorus calyptraeformis)
Pink Waxcap (Plate 16)
It is a very distinct species with a conical rose or pale lilac cap and a paler stalk It is very fragile. It
has proved to be commoner in Great Britain than its red-data book status would lead one to expect.
2 ADB; 6 ADB; 25 ADB; 27 AP; 29 MG; 43 CB; 61 JS.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 21 (2004)
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