One of the most beautiful waxcap fungi, and now sadly rather rare, Hygrocybe calyptriformis is found on cropped, unfertilised grassland. It occurs in late summer and autumn.
These lovely waxcaps generally occur as solitary specimens or in very small and scattered groups. Occasionally they are to be found in churchyards, but sheep-grazed upland commons are usually the best places to try.
Cap |
The domed cap, 2.5 to 6 cm in diameter, is pale pink or lilac and at first narrowly conical. As it matures, the cap usually splits. The cap flesh is white but tinged pink just below the cuticle. |
Gills |
Rose pink when young, the closely-spaced adnate gills become paler with age. |
Stipe |
The same colour as the cap, and tending to split very easily. Level; no ring; white stem flesh. |
Spore print |
White. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
Closely cropped or mown grassland where artificial fertilisers are not spread. |
Season |
September to November. |
Occurrence |
Rare. |
Similar species |
- Hygrocybe virginea is white with a broader cap.
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