Hygrocybe acutoconica - Гигроцибе остроконическая - Spruce Waxcap

Hygrocybe acutoconica - Гигроцибе остроконическая - Spruce Waxcap - Spitzkegeliger Filzschüppling 9/4/21

Hygrocybe acutoconica, commonly known as the Spruce Waxcap or Spitzkegeliger Filzschüppling, is a small to medium-sized basidiomycete mushroom belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae. It is characterized by a conical to bell-shaped cap, measuring 2-6 cm in diameter, with a smooth, slightly slimy surface and a color that ranges from yellow to yellow-orange. The stem is slender, measuring 3-8 cm long and 0.3-1 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 acutoconica is known for its distinct conical cap shape and its preference for growing near coniferous trees, especially spruce. This fungus is primarily distributed across Europe and North America, where it can be found in coniferous and mixed forests, forming ectomycorrhizal associations with spruce trees. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can be encountered from late spring to late autumn. The spores of Hygrocybe acutoconica 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 acutoconica 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.