Hygrocybe ceracea
Hygrocybe ceracea (Wulfen : Fr.)P. Kumm.
Tricholomataceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii,iv)+2ab(iv)].
Morphology and biology. Cap convex to flat, 1–2.5 cm in diameter, yellow, orange yellow to wax yellow, viscous; margin radially furrowed. Gills notched, slightly decurrent, yellow or yellow orange, with a lighter margin. Stipe cylindrical, 2–5 × 0.2–0.4 cm, concolorous with the cap, dry. Flesh thin, light yellow. Spores ellipsoid, 5.5–7.5(8) × 3–4.5 µm, smooth, colourless. Fruit-bodies single and in groups. VI–XI.
Habitats and populations. On the ground among mosses and plants, in glades and pastures, mainly in mountains. Two localities have been established to date with groups of 5–15 fruit-bodies.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Sredna Gora Mt (Western – Lozenska Mt, near Pasarel), Rodopi Mts (Central – Chairski lakes).
General distribution. Europe, Asia, North America.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by farming, wood plantations, infrastructure development (tourism/recreation, transport), fires, soil pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Some localities are in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Gyosheva & Ganeva 2004; Gyosheva et al. 2006.
Author: Melania Gyosheva
