One of the larger of the waxcaps, Hygrocybe punicea is an infrequent find on cropped grassland and regularly mown churchyards. It occurs in late summer and autumn. This lovely waxcap often occurs in small clusters, and when young it is sometimes covered with a whitish bloom. Initially deep blood red, the caps become more yellow as they age.
Cap |
The 3 to 7 cm diameter domed cap is dark blood red, becoming yellow with age |
Gills |
Yellow, reddening as the fruit body ages, the gills are adnexed or free; they are moderately distant. |
Stipe |
Level; no ring; yellow, often tinged with orange but generally paler towards the base. |
Spore print |
White. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
Closely cropped or mown grassland where artificial fertilisers are not spread. |
Season |
August to November. |
Occurrence |
Infrequent. |
Similar species |
- Hygrocybe conica has a more pointed cap and yellow stem flesh.
- Hygrocybe nigrescens turns black with age or when cut.
- bigger and more robust waxcap.
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