Ebony Woodwax
VU

Ebony Woodwax

Hygrophorus latitabundus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrophorus_latitabundus

Overview

Hygrophorus latitabundus is a species of fungus in the genus Hygrophorus. It is distributed in European pine forests, and has a preference for calcareous soils. It fruits in autumn, producing large, edible mushrooms with slimy caps and stems.

The Ebony Woodwax faces significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and forest degradation, which reduces the availability of suitable host trees essential for its mycorrhizal relationships. Climate change poses additional risks by altering forest composition and moisture regimes that this species depends on for fruiting and survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

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 moist, well-drained forest soils at elevations ranging from lowland to montane zones.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Hygrophoraceae

Veiled Purple WaxcapVU

Veiled Purple Waxcap

Hygrophorus purpurascens

Unknown
CR

Cora putumayensis

Unknown
Amethyst WaxcapCR

Amethyst Waxcap

Chromosera viola

Unknown
Arctic Mushroom Scales LichenCR

Arctic Mushroom Scales Lichen

Lichenomphalia hudsoniana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ebony Woodwax classified as Vulnerable?
Ebony Woodwax is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Ebony Woodwax faces significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and forest degradation, which reduces the availability of suitable host trees essential for its mycorrhizal relationships. Climate change poses additional risks by altering forest composition and moisture regimes that this species depends on for fruiting and survival.
Where does Ebony Woodwax live?
Ebony Woodwax occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ebony Woodwax?
The main threats to Ebony Woodwax are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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