Lime-Green Waxy Cap (Hygrocybe virescens)
π·οΈ Description
The Hygrocybe virescens, or lime-green waxy cap, is a rare and fascinating mushroom with a vibrant, lime-green cap and stem. It is endemic to select areas, appearing in association with redwood trees π² and sometimes near cypress hedges. This mushroom is a gem for enthusiasts, recognized for its delicate structure and striking colors that fade to yellow-green with age.
π§ Fun Fact: Hygrocybe virescens shares striking similarities with the European species Hygrocybe citrinovirensβsome mycologists suggest they may even be the same species! π
β¨ Special Notes:
Conservation: Rare and protected in some areas (e.g., Germany).
Unique Traits: Lime-green hues, association with redwoods, and fragile, glassy flesh.
π Identification
π Cap:
Size: 2β4.5 cm (ΒΎβ1ΒΎ in) across.
Shape: Conical or convex when young, flattening with age; margins curve upwards as it matures.
Color: Yellow with orange hues initially, transitioning to lime green and sometimes developing cracks and lobes.
Texture: Smooth and moist but not sticky.
πΏ Gills:
Attachment: Adnexed to the stem by a small "tooth."
Color: Whitish with lime-green tones, paler at the edges.
Shape: Serrate (saw-toothed) edges.
π Stem:
Size: 3β6 cm long; 0.3β0.8 cm thick.
Color: Lime green, fading to whitish at the base.
Texture: Hollow, sometimes grooved or striated with age.
π Flesh:
Color: Lime green to yellow-green, soft, and glassy.
Odor and Taste: Insignificant and mild.
π¦ Spore Print:
Color: White.
Spores: Ellipsoid, 7β10 Γ 5β6.5 ΞΌm.
π³ Ecology and Habitat:
-
Location: Location: Has been found in California, Washington, Mexico, and Europe.
Habitat: Fruiting in late fall to winter in soil under coastal redwoods π² or near cypress hedges.
Frequency: Extremely rare, found either solitary or in small clusters.
π Look-Alikes
Gliophorus psittacinus (Parrot Waxcap): Slimy cap and stem; shifts through a rainbow of colors as it ages.
Hygrocybe olivaceonigra: Young specimens are pale greenish but turn black with age.
Photo sources:
Photo 1-2 - Author: Alan Rockefeller (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 3 - Author: Ken-ichi Ueda (Public Domain)
Photo 4 - Author: Ken-ichi Ueda (Public Domain)
