Hygrocybe conica - Гигроцибе коническая - Blackening Waxcap

Hygrocybe conica - Гигроцибе коническая - Blackening Waxcap - Spitzkegeliger Saftling 9/25/09—10/12/24

Hygrocybe conica, commonly known as the Blackening Waxcap or Spitzkegeliger Saftling, is a small to medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae. It is characterized by a conical to bell-shaped cap, measuring 2-5 cm in diameter, with a smooth, slightly slimy surface and a color that ranges from yellow-orange to red-orange. The stem is slender, measuring 4-8 cm long and 0.5-1 cm thick, with a yellowish to orange color and a smooth texture. The gills are narrowly spaced, adnate to adnexed, and yellow to orange-yellow in color. Hygrocybe conica is known for its distinct conical cap shape and its tendency to blacken when bruised or as it ages. This fungus is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in grasslands, meadows, and pastures, particularly in areas with low nutrient levels and little disturbance. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can be encountered from late spring to late autumn. The spores of Hygrocybe conica are smooth, ellipsoidal, and measure approximately 7-10 x 4-5 µm. It produces a large number of spores, with a single mature fruiting body capable of releasing millions of them. These spores are dispersed by the wind, allowing the fungus to colonize new areas. Hygrocybe conica is considered edible, although it is not highly valued as a culinary ingredient due to its mild taste and slimy texture. Mushroom foragers should exercise caution when collecting mushrooms to avoid misidentification and accidental consumption of toxic species.