hyacintvaxskivling
Hygrophorus hyacinthinus
Hygrophorus hyacinthinus, known as the hyacinth waxcap, is a distinctive mushroom species characterized by its violet to lilac-colored cap and waxy gill texture. This saprotrophic fungus plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter in forest ecosystems, while also forming important ecological relationships with soil microorganisms.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Hygrophoraceae
Genus
Hygrophorus
hyacintvaxskivling belongs to the family Hygrophoraceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Hygrophorus hyacinthinus, known as the hyacinth waxcap, is a distinctive mushroom species characterized by its violet to lilac-colored cap and waxy gill texture. This saprotrophic fungus plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter in forest ecosystems, while also forming important ecological relationships with soil microorganisms.
Hygrophorus hyacinthinus faces severe decline due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized forest ecosystems. Climate change is altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions required for this mycorrhizal fungus to fruit and maintain symbiotic relationships with host trees.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species typically inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests with rich, well-drained soils containing abundant leaf litter and organic debris. It shows a preference for areas with stable moisture levels and partial shade beneath established tree canopies.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Hygrophorus hyacinthinus faces severe decline due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized forest ecosystems. Climate change is altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions required for this mycorrhizal fungus to fruit and maintain symbiotic relationships with host trees.
Climate change affecting moisture regimes and temperature patterns
Habitat loss and fragmentation from logging and land conversion
Disruption of mycorrhizal host tree populations
Soil degradation and pollution
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). hyacintvaxskivling (Hygrophorus hyacinthinus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/hyacintvaxskivling