Species of the Month Oct/Nov 2019

Blackening Waxcap (Hygrocybe conica)

 

This variable grassland mushroom starts as a bright red/orange fruiting body, with a cap which turns black with age. It can be readily distinguished from other similar waxcaps by its long-lasting fruitbodies which, once mature, turn jet black all over and then can remain standing for many weeks. Also known as Witch's Hat mushroom due to its conical shape and dark colour, Hygrocybe conica prefers unimproved grassland which is well shaded, moist and mossy.

Blackening Waxcap is wide spread in Wales, though we have only 634 records at SEWBReC. You can view the known Welsh distribution of here on Aderyn. More information and photos are available from First Nature.

If you spot Blackening Waxcap during October, November (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.