Golden Waxcap
Hygrocybe chlorophana
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrocybe_chlorophana
Overview
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.
The Golden Waxcap (Hygrocybe chlorophana) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized grassland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, including increased fertilizer use and conversion of traditional pastures to intensive farming, has severely reduced the nutrient-poor grasslands this species requires. Climate change and pollution further threaten the delicate soil chemistry and fungal networks essential for this species' survival.
Habitat
The golden waxcap is widespread throughout the north temperate zone, occurring in Europe, North America, and northern Asia; it has also been collected from the alpine areas of Mount Wellington in Tasmania, Australia. Like other waxcaps, it grows in old, unimproved, short-sward grassland (pastures and lawns) in Europe, but in woodland in North America and Asia. Recent research suggests waxcaps are...
Other threatened species in Hygrophoraceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Golden Waxcap classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Golden Waxcap live?
What are the main threats to Golden Waxcap?
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