Ecology

Waxcap Grassland

Ecology

Waxcap Grassland

Waxcap grassland

Waxcaps

(Hygrocybe) -the H in CHEG

waxcap composite

Clockwise from top lefthand corner:
Honey waxcap, snowy waxcap, golden waxcap, crimson waxcap, blackening waxcap (turns dark with age) and parrot waxcap (turns from green to dark yellow with age).

These gorgeous fungi can be found on the Green where the grass is short and there is a well-developed moss layer. They are called waxcaps, because, as the name suggests, they have a waxy appearance! They are quite small (2 -7 cm) and range in colour from white through to yellow, orange, red and green. Some have a classic "pixie hat" shape, whilst others are much flatter and confusingly, quite a few of the species change shape and colour as they get older! These must be some of my favourite fungi and I could spend hours looking at them! A very useful identification guide can be found here.

Club fungi

(Clavariaceae) - the C in CHEG

club fungi

Clockwise from top lefthand corner:
yellow club, golden spindles, golden spindles, meadow coral.

If you ever see these small yellow spindles peeping through the grass, then you will be looking at one of the club fungi! There are at least 3 different species of this strange looking fungus growing on the Green and I find (being no expert) that they are quite difficult to tell apart. They all have the typical yellow spindles but these can vary in shape and thickness, depending on the species. They are quite small, between 2 - 4cm tall but their bright yellow colour is quite eye catching. They often grow in the same place as waxcaps, so next time you are admiring the waxcaps, take a minute just to look for some yellow spindles as well.

Earthtongues

(Geoglossaceae) - the G in CHEG

earthtounge fungi

Now these must be some of the weirdest fungi I have ever seen! I knew there should be some growing on the Green and I was thrilled when in late 2015, I found some. They are VERY difficult to find, as they are small (2cm tall) black and blend in with the sward. However, as with most things, when you have seen one, then you start to see more!

Pinkgills

(Entoloma) - the E in CHEG

pinkgill fungi

Whilst there are many species of pinkgill fungi, I find them very difficult to identify and to tell apart as they are quite small and are not that conspicuous, being a dullish brown or grey. I have tried to identify a couple on the Green, but I am sure there are more out there to find!


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