Hygrocybe coccinea

Hygrocybe coccinea (1)

Hygrocybe coccinea, commonly known as the scarlet waxcap, is a species of fungus belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae. It is notable for its striking red color and is found in grasslands across North America and Europe. This mushroom plays a role in the ecosystem as a saprotroph, decomposing dead organic material, and is also an indicator of healthy, unimproved grasslands, which are habitats of high conservation value.

Description

Hygrocybe coccinea features a brightly colored cap, which ranges from scarlet to orange, and measures 2 to 5 cm in diameter. The cap is initially conical, becoming more flattened with age. The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, with a similarly vibrant coloration. The stipe (stem) is slender, measuring 3 to 7 cm in height and 0.5 to 1 cm in width, and shares the cap's color but may fade to a paler hue with age. This species does not have a distinctive smell or taste, which is characteristic of many waxcaps.

Habitat and Distribution

Hygrocybe coccinea is predominantly found in moist, well-drained grasslands, including meadows, lawns, and sometimes in mossy areas of forests. It has a preference for acidic to neutral soils. The distribution of this waxcap is wide, occurring in both North America and Europe. In Europe, it is more commonly found in the west, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it is associated with traditional, low-intensity agricultural lands. Its presence is often a marker of biodiverse, unimproved grasslands.

Conservation

The conservation status of Hygrocybe coccinea reflects the health of the grassland ecosystems it inhabits. In many regions, these habitats are threatened by agricultural intensification, use of fertilizers, and land development, leading to a decline in waxcap populations. Conservation efforts focus on the protection and management of grassland habitats to ensure the survival of this and other waxcap species.

Culinary and Cultural Aspects

While Hygrocybe coccinea is not considered toxic, it is not widely regarded as an edible mushroom due to its small size and insubstantial flesh. In the realm of mycology and nature observation, however, it is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and as an indicator of ecological health.

See Also

• Hygrophoraceae
• Grassland conservation
• Saprotrophic fungi

This mushroom-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.