Waxcaps
On Fitty Hill I’m surprised to find a wonderful collection of Waxcaps. These fungi are classic inhabitants of poor, unimproved grassland and are increasingly rare with intensive agricultural methods having obliterated them in most places. They are waxy or sticky and like living in short, wet grass in association with mosses. Waxcaps need short turf which is regularly mown or grazed, no fertiliser or lime and no disturbance such as ploughing or reseeding. Where is that true nowadays? Thankfully, it’s true of Fitty Hill.
It’s difficult to identify the species because there are so many and there’s no comprehensive monograph of all the species. I’d say that there were at least three species on the Hill, though, including Hygrocybe coccinea, the beautiful Scarlet Waxcap.
A rare mushroom is a wonderful thing :)
More Waxcaps
A date with Waxcaps A trip to Somerset to see my friend Martin had the unintended bonus of a walk and a crop of… read more
Cycling past Waxcaps I'm cycling on Dartmoor when I see a Blackening Waxcap, Hygrocybe conica. It's always a thrill so spot one, so… read more
One of Britain’s rarest fungi So you think it doesn't look like much? I think it looks fabulous. It's growing in the short grass around… read more
The most beautiful bouquet of Killerton Waxcaps Killerton is one of my favourite National Trust places in Devon. It's one of the ones which was sold to… read more
Blackening Waxcaps There's a Blackening Waxcap, Hygrocybe conica, on the moist, shady roadside verges of the industrial estate. It's a beautiful colour.… read more
Waxcaps on the wane We're on a trip to north Devon, near Lynmouth, on an organised fungus foray. I'm particularly excited about the grassland… read more
Waxcaps Waxcap fungi thrive on damp, 'unimproved' grassland, or rather grassland which hasn't be ruined by artificial fertiliser or herbicides. A… read more
Pink Ballerinas cavorting in the grass If there are pink ballerinas on your lawn they could be one of only two things: 1. Actual ballerinas, dressed… read more
Crimson Waxcaps Waxcaps live in unimproved grassland. That means they are often only found in graveyards as the rest of the grassland… read more