Hygrocybe splendidissima

Last updated

Hygrocybe splendidissima
2007-10-06 Hygrocybe splendidissima (P.D. Orton) M.M. Moser 369512.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Hygrophoraceae
Genus: Hygrocybe
Species:
H. splendidissima
Binomial name
Hygrocybe splendidissima
Synonyms
  • Hygrophorus splendidissimusP.D.Orton (1960)
  • Hygrocybe punicea f. splendidissima(P.D.Orton) D.A.Reid (1972)

Hygrocybe splendidissima, is a species of agaric (gilled mushroom) in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of Splendid Waxcap. [2] The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [1]

Contents

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1960 by British mycologist P.D. Orton as a species of Hygrophorus . The type was collected by Orton in fields near Membury, Devon, in 1957 [3] Meinhard Moser transferred the species to the genus Hygrocybe in 1967. [4]

Recent molecular research, based on cladistic analysis of DNA sequences, has shown that Hygrocybe splendidissima is distinct and belongs in Hygrocybe sensu stricto. [5]

Description

Basidiocarps are agaricoid, up to 100mm (4 in) tall, the cap conical to convex at first, retaining a broad umbo or becoming flat when expanded, up to 70mm (2.75 in) across. The cap surface is smooth and dry, deep scarlet, paler when dry. The lamellae (gills) are waxy, cap-coloured or orange. The stipe (stem) is smooth, cap-coloured to orange, lacking a ring. The spore print is white, the spores (under a microscope) smooth, inamyloid, ellipsoid, c. 7.5 to 9.0 by 4.5 to 5.5μm. Fruit bodies have a distinct honey smell when rubbed or when drying. [6]

Similar species

The species can normally be distinguished in the field, thanks to its size and colour. It was formerly confused with the Crimson Waxcap Hygrocybe punicea , but fruitbodies of the latter species are a darker, duller red, have slightly viscid caps, and fibrillose stems. Fruit bodies of the Scarlet Waxcap Hygrocybe coccinea are typically much smaller and have slightly viscid caps that are nodulose under a lens. Both these species lack the distinctive smell of H. splendidissima, though the much smaller, orange-red Hygrocybe reidii also has a honey smell. [6]

Distribution and habitat

The Splendid Waxcap is widespread but generally rare throughout Europe, with the largest populations in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. [1] Like other waxcaps, it occurs in old, agriculturally unimproved, short-sward grassland (pastures and lawns).

Recent research suggests waxcaps are neither mycorrhizal nor saprotrophic but may be associated with mosses. [7]

Conservation

Hygrocybe splendidissima is typical of waxcap grasslands, a declining habitat due to changing agricultural practices. As a result, the species is of global conservation concern and is listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [1] Hygrocybe splendidissima also appears on the official or provisional national red lists of threatened fungi in several European countries, including Croatia, [8] Denmark, [9] Germany, [10] Norway, [8] and Sweden. [8]


Related Research Articles

<i>Hygrocybe</i> Genus of fungi

Hygrocybe is a genus of agarics in the family Hygrophoraceae. Called waxcaps in English, basidiocarps are often brightly coloured and have dry to waxy caps, white spores, and smooth, ringless stems. In Europe they are characteristic of old, unimproved grasslands which are a declining habitat, making many Hygrocybe species of conservation concern. Four of these waxcap-grassland species, Hygrocybe citrinovirens, H. punicea, H. spadicea, and H. splendidissima, are assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Elsewhere waxcaps are more typically found in woodlands. Most are ground-dwelling and all are believed to be biotrophs. Around 150 species are recognized worldwide. Fruit bodies of several Hygrocybe species are considered edible and are sometimes offered for sale in local markets.

<i>Hygrocybe conica</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe conica is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. In the UK it has been given the recommended English name of blackening waxcap, since all parts of the basidiocarp blacken with age. In North America it is commonly known as the witch's hat, conical wax cap or conical slimy cap. Hygrocybe conica is known to be a complex of at least eleven closely related species and as such is widespread in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere.

<i>Hygrocybe punicea</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe punicea is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of crimson waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Records of H. punicea from North America, East Asia, and Australia require further research to see if they represent the same species.

<i>Porpolomopsis calyptriformis</i> Species of fungus

Porpolomopsis calyptriformis, commonly known as the pink wax cap, ballerina waxcap or salmon waxy cap, is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. A similar but as yet unnamed species occurs in North America.

<i>Hygrocybe chlorophana</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe chlorophana is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of golden waxcap in the UK. The species has a largely north temperate distribution, occurring in grassland in Europe and in woodland in North America and northern Asia; it has also been reported from mountainous areas of southern Australia. It typically produces basidiocarps in the autumn. In a few European countries, H. chlorophana is of conservation concern, appearing on national red lists of threatened fungi.

<i>Cuphophyllus pratensis</i> Species of fungus

Cuphophyllus pratensis is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of meadow waxcap in the UK and in North America has variously been called the meadow waxy cap, salmon waxy cap, and butter meadowcap. The species has a widespread, mainly temperate distribution, occurring in grassland in Europe and in woodland elsewhere. The basidiocarps are edible and are occasionally collected and sold commercially.

<i>Gliophorus irrigatus</i> Species of fungus

Gliophorus irrigatus is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of slimy waxcap in the UK. The species is widespread in temperate regions, occurring in grassland in Europe and in woodland in North America and elsewhere.

<i>Hygrocybe quieta</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe quieta is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of oily waxcap in the UK. The species has a European distribution and typically occurs in grassland where it produces basidiocarps in the autumn. In several countries, H. quieta is of conservation concern, appearing on national red lists of threatened fungi.

<i>Gliophorus europerplexus</i> Species of fungus

Gliophorus europerplexus is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of butterscotch waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Gliophorus reginae</i> Species of fungus

Gliophorus reginae is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of jubilee waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Gloioxanthomyces vitellinus</i> Species of fungus

Gloioxanthomyces vitellinus is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of Glistening Waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the Glistening Waxcap being assessed as globally "endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Neohygrocybe ingrata</i> Species of fungus

Neohygrocybe ingrata is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of dingy waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Hygrocybe citrinovirens</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe citrinovirens is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of Citrine Waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Neohygrocybe ovina</i> Species of fungus

Neohygrocybe ovina is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of blushing waxcap, since the lamellae (gills) and flesh turn pinkish red when bruised. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Hygrocybe aurantiosplendens</i> Species of mushroom

Hygrocybe aurantiosplendens, commonly known as the orange waxcap, is a gilled fungus in the family Hygrophoraceae. It mainly occurs in Europe, but is also found in Siberia, and on both the East and West coasts of North America. It is uncertain if the continental ecotypes are in fact conspecific and are sometimes treated as distinct species.

<i>Hygrocybe spadicea</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe spadicea is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of Date Waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Cuphophyllus colemannianus</i> Species of fungus

Cuphophyllus colemannianus is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of toasted waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Neohygrocybe nitrata</i> Species of fungus

Neohygrocybe nitrata is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of nitrous waxcap, based on its smell. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

<i>Cuphophyllus atlanticus</i> Species of fungus

Cuphophyllus atlanticus is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. Until recently (2021), the species was considered to be conspecific with the North American Cuphophyllus canescens, but DNA sequencing has shown that it is distinct. As C. canescens, it has been given the recommended English name of felted waxcap in the United Kingdom. Cuphophyllus atlanticus has a European and North American distribution, occurring in Europe mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in C. canescens being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Cuphophyllus lepidopus is a species of agaric in the family Hygrophoraceae. It has been given the recommended English name of scalyfoot waxcap. The species has a European distribution, occurring mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland. Threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Splendid Waxcap Hygrocybe splendidissima: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species" . Retrieved 2021-05-01.
  2. Holden L. (July 2014). "English names for fungi 2014". British Mycological Society. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2016-02-06.
  3. Orton PD. (1960). "New check list of British Agarics and Boleti, part III (keys to Crepidotus, Deconica, Flocculina, Hygrophorus, Naucoria, Pluteus and Volvaria)". Transactions of the British Mycological Society. 43 (2): 265. doi:10.1016/s0007-1536(60)80065-4.
  4. Moser M. Kleine Kryptogamenflora von Mitteleuropa – Die Blätter- und Baupilze (Agaricales und Gastromycetes) (in German). Vol. IIb/2 (3 ed.). Jena: G. Fischer. p. 67.
  5. Lodge DJ; et al. (2014). "Molecular phylogeny, morphology, pigment chemistry and ecology in Hygrophoraceae (Agaricales)" (PDF). Fungal Diversity. 64 (1): 1–99. doi: 10.1007/s13225-013-0259-0 . S2CID   220615978. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  6. 1 2 Boertmann D. (2010). The genus Hygrocybe (2nd ed.). Copenhagen: Danish Mycological Society. p. 200. ISBN   978-87-983581-7-6.
  7. Seitzman BH, Ouimette A, Mixon RL, Hobbie EA, Hibbett DS (2011). "Conservation of biotrophy in Hygrophoraceae inferred from combined stable isotope and phylogenetic analyses". Mycologia. 103 (2): 280–290. doi:10.3852/10-195. PMID   21139028. S2CID   318326.
  8. 1 2 3 "National red Lists" . Retrieved 2021-05-01.
  9. "Den danske rødliste". Aarhus Universitet. Archived from the original on 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2011-10-12.
  10. "Red List: Hygrocybe splendidissima". Rote Liste Zentrum. Retrieved 2021-05-01.