Waxcap Fungi at Lusty Hills, on the UEA Campus
A Fungus (or Mycota) is a member of a collection of eukaryotic organisms, that includes both unicellular microorganisms (eg. yeast), as well as multicellular organisms that produce fruiting bodies, known as the mushrooms.
Waxcap fungi are from the Genus Hygrocybe, which are quite possibly the UK's most distinguishable of grassland fungi, most commonly seen in the autumn. The Genus Hygrocybe is so-called because the fungi in this group usually have moist caps; Hygrocybe means "watery head".
Waxcap mushrooms are often bright in colour and have a shine to their caps (hence the name "waxcap"), making them quite striking against the grasses and other plants within British grassland habitats. There are approximately 60 different species of waxcap fungi throughout Europe, with 40 of these being found in the UK. Waxcap fungi are found mainly in areas of pasture, meadow, churchyards, parks and undisturbed lawns. Generally, waxcaps prefer wetter areas of grassland that have no trace of recent fertiliser application. Waxcaps are also commonly found in grasslands where moss cover is abundant.
Waxcap mushrooms are often bright in colour and have a shine to their caps (hence the name "waxcap"), making them quite striking against the grasses and other plants within British grassland habitats. There are approximately 60 different species of waxcap fungi throughout Europe, with 40 of these being found in the UK. Waxcap fungi are found mainly in areas of pasture, meadow, churchyards, parks and undisturbed lawns. Generally, waxcaps prefer wetter areas of grassland that have no trace of recent fertiliser application. Waxcaps are also commonly found in grasslands where moss cover is abundant.
Waxcaps are found in an array of colours, including red, green, yellow, pink, white, orange and brown. Most waxcaps are referred to by their Latin names, however some have common names, such as the Scarlet waxcap, Meadow waxcap, Crimson waxcap, Snowy waxcap, Scarlet hood, Parrot waxcap and the Ballerina waxcap, which incidentally is the only Pink waxcap (Hygrocybe calyptriformis). Not all waxcap mushrooms are edible, however none are known to be exceptionally poisonous. Most Waxcap fungi have gills widely spaced apart with some descending down the stem.
When we were studying the variation in plant species between the slope and plateau at Lusty Hills, on the UEA campus, we recorded numerous sightings of waxcap fungi on the plateau. The waxcap is certainly distinguishable, with it having almost a sheen to its cap, and being a beautiful orange-apricot colour. As mentioned previously, waxcaps prefer unimproved lawns, meadows and are a grassland species, so it not surprising that we should have seen waxcaps at Lusty Hills, which is an area of grassland on the edge of the UEA campus.
However, having said that, Waxcap fungi are becoming increasingly rare in the UK. This is because waxcap fungi are very sensitive to chemical fertilisers, lime application onto grassland and to disturbance from ploughing, and as a result of this intolerance, waxcap fungi are not today as numerous as they once were in the UK. The loss of grassland and meadow habitat in the UK has meant that certain waxcap species have been restricted in their distribution. Two species of concern include H. spadicea (a date-coloured waxcap) and H. calyptriformis (Pink or Ballerina waxcaps).
In order to protect waxcap fungi in the UK, Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP's) have been put in place for two species in particular; the H. spadicea and H. calyptriformis (as mentioned above). To protect grassland fungi, areas are kept free of artificial fertilisers, are not reseeded and weed killers (pesticides) are not used. So, there is hope for one of the UK's most iconic and distinguishable fungi!
When we were studying the variation in plant species between the slope and plateau at Lusty Hills, on the UEA campus, we recorded numerous sightings of waxcap fungi on the plateau. The waxcap is certainly distinguishable, with it having almost a sheen to its cap, and being a beautiful orange-apricot colour. As mentioned previously, waxcaps prefer unimproved lawns, meadows and are a grassland species, so it not surprising that we should have seen waxcaps at Lusty Hills, which is an area of grassland on the edge of the UEA campus.
However, having said that, Waxcap fungi are becoming increasingly rare in the UK. This is because waxcap fungi are very sensitive to chemical fertilisers, lime application onto grassland and to disturbance from ploughing, and as a result of this intolerance, waxcap fungi are not today as numerous as they once were in the UK. The loss of grassland and meadow habitat in the UK has meant that certain waxcap species have been restricted in their distribution. Two species of concern include H. spadicea (a date-coloured waxcap) and H. calyptriformis (Pink or Ballerina waxcaps).
In order to protect waxcap fungi in the UK, Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP's) have been put in place for two species in particular; the H. spadicea and H. calyptriformis (as mentioned above). To protect grassland fungi, areas are kept free of artificial fertilisers, are not reseeded and weed killers (pesticides) are not used. So, there is hope for one of the UK's most iconic and distinguishable fungi!
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