Hygrocybe reidii is a species of agaric (gilled mushroom) in the family Hygrophoraceae, commonly known as the honey waxcap or Reid's waxcap. This fungus is particularly distinguished by its strong, sweet, and fruity odor, often described as similar to honey, mead, or ripe plums, which becomes more pronounced when the fruit body is handled or dried.
Description
- Cap: The cap typically measures 2–6 cm in diameter, initially convex, then expanding to broadly convex or flattened with age, sometimes developing a slight central depression. Its color is variable, ranging from orange to orange-red or reddish-brown, often fading to yellowish, especially towards the margin. The surface is smooth, dry, and can appear subtly fibrillose but is never viscid.
- Gills: The gills are broadly adnate to subdecurrent, thick, and widely spaced, exhibiting a waxy texture characteristic of the genus. They are generally pallid, yellowish, or orangish, often contrasting with the cap color.
- Stipe: The stipe (stem) is 3–8 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm thick, usually cylindrical or slightly tapering towards the base. Its color typically matches the cap or is slightly paler. The surface is dry and often longitudinally striate. The flesh of the stipe is soft and brittle.
- Smell and Taste: The defining characteristic is its powerful, sweet, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of honey, mead, or various fruits. The taste is generally mild but can be considered unpleasant by some due to the intense smell.
- Spores: The spore print is white. Spores are typically ellipsoid and smooth.
Habitat and Distribution Hygrocybe reidii is a saprobic species, thriving on decaying organic matter in soil. It is characteristically found in unimproved grasslands, pastures, and lawns that have not been subjected to intensive agricultural practices like fertilization or pesticide use. It grows solitarily or in small groups among grass and moss. Its presence is often regarded as an indicator of biodiverse and ecologically healthy grassland ecosystems. The species is primarily distributed across Europe, with some records also from North America.
Edibility While not known to be toxic, Hygrocybe reidii is generally considered inedible due to its strong and distinctive taste and aroma, which most individuals find unappealing.
Taxonomy The species was initially described by E.J.H. Corner in 1936 under the name Hygrophorus reidii. It was later reclassified into the genus Hygrocybe by R. Dennis. The specific epithet "reidii" honors the British mycologist Derek Reid.