Michael Davis
The Vermilion Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe miniata, is a small, bright red or red-orange mushroom of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe. It is found worldwide in fields, on sandy heaths, in rainforests, and eucalypt forests. With a unique cultivation process, this mushroom thrives in cropped grasslands and woodland clearings. But are they decomposers?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hygrocybe miniata |
| Common Name | Vermilion Waxcap |
| Size | Small to medium-sized |
| Cap Diameter | 1-4 cm |
| Cap Color | Bright red, red-orange, scarlet, blood red, orange, and yellowish |
| Habitat | Fields, meadows, open woods, cropped grassland, woodland clearings, sandy heaths, grassy commons, eucalypt forests, rainforests, heathlands |
| Smell | Indistinct |
| Season | Late summer and autumn |
| Distribution | Worldwide, including parts of Britain, Ireland, Eastern Texas, and other temperate regions |
| Cultivation | Cultivated for mushroom cultivation |
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What You'll Learn
Vermilion waxcaps are part of the Hygrocybe genus
The vermilion waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe miniata, is a member of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe. This unique mushroom is characterised by its small size and vibrant red or red-orange colouration. The specific epithet "miniata" is derived from the word “miniat”, which translates to "painted with red lead", aptly describing the mushroom's striking appearance.
Hygrocybe miniata was first described by Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries in 1821 as Agaricus miniatus. However, Fries renamed it himself in 1838 as Hygrophorus miniatus. It was German mycologist Paul Kummer who ultimately placed it in the genus Hygrocybe in 1871.
Vermilion waxcaps are widely distributed across the globe, including regions in Europe, Australia, and North America. In Europe and Australia, they are typically found in fields, on sandy heaths, or in grassy clearings during the autumn season. More specifically, they can be found in rainforests, eucalypt forests, and heathlands in Australia. In Eastern Texas, for example, they have been spotted in various locations such as Lick Creek Park, Sam Houston National Forest, and Big Thicket National Preserve.
This waxcap fungus is often found in cropped grassland and woodland clearings, with caps that are initially scarlet or blood red, eventually fading to orange and then yellow as they age. This colour transition sets them apart from other waxcaps. Their preferred habitats include meadows and open woods, where they are often associated with grasses and other herbaceous plants.
Vermilion waxcaps are not only captivating in their appearance but also offer a distinct cultivation experience for mushroom enthusiasts. Their scurfy caps, unique colour changes, and worldwide distribution make them a fascinating species within the Hygrocybe genus.
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They are small, bright red or red-orange mushrooms
The Vermilion Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe miniata, is a small, bright red or red-orange mushroom. It is a member of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe and is found worldwide. The cap of the mushroom is typically 1 to 3 cm in diameter and has small scales that can be seen with a magnifying glass or hand lens. The gills are reddish with pale yellow edges and are broadly attached to the stipe, sometimes with a decurrent tooth.
The Vermilion Waxcap is a unique species of mushroom that offers a distinct cultivation experience. It thrives in cropped grasslands and woodland clearings and is often found in association with grasses and other herbaceous plants. In Europe, it is commonly found in fields, on sandy heaths, or grassy commons in the autumn. The specific epithet miniata comes from 'miniat', which means "painted with red lead".
The red-to-yellow cap of the Vermilion Waxcap is initially convex but later flattens and becomes depressed with wavy edges. It is hygrophanous, meaning it absorbs water and changes colour slightly when wet. The unique scurfy caps of the Vermilion Waxcap are initially scarlet or blood red but fade to orange and then yellowish with age, setting it apart from other waxcaps.
The Vermilion Waxcap is a fascinating species for cultivation, but proper identification is essential before consumption. It is widespread but rather local in Britain, Ireland, and other temperate regions. Its presence is a delightful find for any mushroom enthusiast, and cultivators can find success in cropped grassland or woodland clearings.
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They are found worldwide, in fields, forests and grasslands
The vermilion waxcap (Hygrocybe miniata) is a cosmopolitan species, meaning it can be found worldwide. In Europe, they are found in fields, on sandy heaths, and grassy clearings in the autumn. Specifically, they have been spotted in Britain, Ireland, and other temperate regions. In Australia, they are found in rainforests, eucalypt forests, and heathlands. They are also found in Eastern Texas, in areas such as the Sam Houston National Forest, the Kirby Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve, and Caney Creek Trail in the Little Lake Creek Loop Trail. They are small to medium-sized mushrooms with bright red to orange-red caps, typically 1-4 cm in diameter, and a slender stem. They are often found in fields, meadows, and open woods, in association with grasses and other herbaceous plants. They thrive in cropped grasslands and woodland clearings.
The scientific name for the vermilion waxcap is Hygrocybe miniata, and it is a member of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe. It was first described by Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries in 1821 as Agaricus miniatus. He later renamed it Hygrophorus miniatus in 1838, and German mycologist Paul Kummer assigned it to the genus Hygrocybe in 1871. The specific epithet miniata comes from the word 'miniat', which means "painted with red lead". This name is fitting, as the mushroom's cap is initially scarlet or blood red, eventually fading to orange and then yellow with age.
The vermilion waxcap is a unique species for mushroom cultivators due to its distinct appearance and preferred growing conditions. It is often sought after by mushroom enthusiasts. For cultivators, the ideal substrate is cropped grassland or woodland clearings. While it is a fascinating species, proper identification is essential before consumption, as with all mushrooms.
The vermilion waxcap is a challenging mushroom to identify. Its cap is typically 1 to 3 cm in diameter and has small scales (squamulous) that can be observed with a hand lens or magnifying glass. The gills are reddish with pale yellow edges and are broadly attached to the stipe, sometimes with a decurrent tooth. It is typically a late summer and autumn species, and while it is widespread, it is rather local in Britain.
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Their caps are initially scarlet, fading to orange and then yellow
The Vermilion Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe miniata, is a unique mushroom species with distinct colouration. This mushroom's cap is initially scarlet or blood red, a vibrant and eye-catching feature that sets it apart from other mushrooms. However, as the mushroom ages, its cap undergoes a fascinating transformation. Over time, the once-scarlet cap gradually fades, taking on a more subdued hue, transitioning from orange to yellow. This colour shift adds to the mushroom's allure and makes it a delightful find for mushroom enthusiasts.
The scientific name, Hygrocybe miniata, provides insight into this mushroom's appearance. The specific epithet "miniata" originates from the word "'miniat,"' which means "painted with red lead," aptly describing the mushroom's vibrant red cap. This distinctive feature, with its initial scarlet hue, is a defining characteristic of the Vermilion Waxcap.
The colour transformation of the Vermilion Waxcap's cap is not its only intriguing aspect. The cap also has a unique texture, described as scurfy, and is typically small, with a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 cm. The gills of the mushroom are reddish with pale yellow edges, and they are broadly attached to the stipe, sometimes even featuring a decurrent tooth.
The Vermilion Waxcap is a cosmopolitan species found worldwide, including in Europe, Australia, and Eastern Texas. In Europe and Australia, they are commonly found in fields, on sandy heaths, or in grassy clearings during autumn. The mushrooms thrive in association with grasses and other herbaceous plants. In Australia, they are also found in rainforests and eucalypt forests, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.
While the Vermilion Waxcap is a fascinating species for mushroom enthusiasts and cultivators, it is important to approach consumption with caution. Proper identification is crucial before considering ingestion, as incorrect identification can have dangerous consequences. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with experts or mycologists before consuming any wild mushroom, including the Vermilion Waxcap.
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They are distinct from other waxcaps and difficult to identify
The Vermilion Waxcap, or Hygrocybe miniata, is a small, bright red or red-orange mushroom of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe. It is distinct from other waxcaps due to its unique characteristics, but it is also challenging to identify.
One of the most distinctive features of the Vermilion Waxcap is its scurfy cap, which sets it apart from other waxcaps. The cap is initially scarlet or blood red and fades to orange and then yellowish with age. The cap is typically 1 to 3 cm in diameter and has small scales that can be observed with a magnifying glass or a hand lens.
The gills of the Vermilion Waxcap are reddish with pale yellow edges and are broadly attached to the stipe, sometimes with a decurrent tooth. The stipe itself is reddish to yellowish in colour. The overall shape of the mushroom is described as hygrophanous, meaning it has a wavy appearance.
While the Vermilion Waxcap has unique characteristics, it is part of a difficult-to-identify group of Hygrocybe species. It shares similarities with other species, such as H. helobi, which has a similar appearance but prefers less acidic soils and has a distinct garlic smell. Other similar species include H. mollis, H. moseri, and H. strangulata.
The microscopic examination of a specimen by an expert is recommended for accurate identification. This involves examining the small scales on the cap and other microscopic features to differentiate it from other waxcaps.
In summary, the Vermilion Waxcap is distinct from other waxcaps due to its scurfy cap, unique colour changes, and microscopic features. However, it is challenging to identify due to its similarities with other Hygrocybe species and the need for microscopic examination.
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Frequently asked questions
Scientifically known as Hygrocybe miniata, Vermilion Waxcap is a small, bright red or red-orange mushroom of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe.
Vermilion Waxcaps are found worldwide in fields, meadows, and open woods, often in association with grasses and other herbaceous plants. They are commonly found in Europe and Australia during autumn.
Yes, Vermilion Waxcaps are a type of mushroom, and mushrooms are a type of fungus that plays a crucial role in decomposition and the recycling of organic matter in ecosystems.
Vermilion Waxcaps are cultivated and can be consumed, but it is essential to ensure proper identification by an expert before consumption as they can be difficult to identify.
