Fungi season so far

Now the first frosts have come and the fungi season is coming to an end it is worth reflecting on what a great season it has been for my first intensive period of finding and identifying grassland fungi. With expert help I have been present whilst well in excess of 100 species of fungi have been photographed and named. I guess it is already obvious that I am drawn to the amazing genus of Hygrocybe aka waxcaps and it has certainly been a great waxcap season. My favourite finds have been the Splendid Waxcap (H. splendissima), the Blushing Waxcap (H. ovina), the Toasted Waxcap (H. colemanniana) and the variety of the Snowy Waxcap that has a dark centre and faint brown striae (H. virginia var fuscescens). All are relatively rarely reported but being in the right part of the country in the right type of grassland and in a great waxcap season does increase your chances considerably. Illustrated is the delightful Hygrocybe virginia var fuscescens.

Great new waxcap - Blushing Waxcap

I haven't reported a new waxcap for a week or two although I have come across one or two new ones. Yesterday's find though was the spectacular Blushing Waxcap (Hygrocybe ovina), found in the neighbouring village of Penallt right at the end of a very wet fungi foray. Another of those waxcaps, undoubtedly underreported, but nonetheless having less than 20 reported sightings in Wales in the last 35 years according to one online source. Previously this year I have found several instances of Hygrocybe ingrata (no English name) which has a similar level of reporting.