Arched Woodwax
Hygrophorus camarophyllus
Hygrophorus camarophyllus, commonly known as the arched woodwax, smoky waxy cap, or sooty brown waxy cap, is a species of edible fungus in the genus Hygrophorus.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrophorus_camarophyllus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Hygrophoraceae
Genus
Hygrophorus
Arched Woodwax belongs to the family Hygrophoraceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Hygrophorus camarophyllus, commonly known as the arched woodwax, smoky waxy cap, or sooty brown waxy cap, is a species of edible fungus in the genus Hygrophorus.
The Arched Woodwax faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of old-growth forest ecosystems where it forms essential mycorrhizal relationships with mature trees. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that are critical for this fungus's fruiting cycles and spore dispersal. Additionally, air pollution and acid deposition are compromising the delicate soil chemistry balance required for its survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those dominated by spruce, fir, and pine species, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with tree roots. Typically found in acidic, well-drained soils of montane and boreal forest ecosystems at elevations ranging from sea level to subalpine zones.
Threats
Climate change affecting fruiting patterns
Disruption of mycorrhizal host relationships
Old-growth forest loss and fragmentation
Air pollution and acid deposition
Soil chemistry alteration
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Arched Woodwax (Hygrophorus camarophyllus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/arched-woodwax