Blackening Waxcaps

There’s a Blackening Waxcap, Hygrocybe conica, on the moist, shady roadside verges of the industrial estate. It’s a beautiful colour.

I’ve seen them before on the long drive to Orkney:

As rare as Witches’ Hats

When they mature they turn completely black. It’s a seriously unnatural colour which makes them look charred.

It’s no wonder they’re referred to as Witches’ Hats.