Hygrocybe laetissima
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Hygrocybe laetissima | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Marin County, California, 2021 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Hygrophoraceae |
| Genus: | Hygrocybe |
| Species: | H. laetissima |
| Binomial name | |
| Hygrocybe laetissima A.H. Sm. & Hesler, 1942 | |
Hygrocybe laetissima, also known as the cherry-red waxy cap, is a species of gilled mushroom. It was first described by Alexander H. Smith and L. R. Hesler.[1] It has the coloration of a Rainier cherry and is superficially similar to other waxy caps, including Hygrocybe splendidissima, H. punicea, H. aurantiosplendens, and H. marchii.[2] It also overlaps somewhat in range and appearance with H. coccinea.[3]
The species is found in North America[4] and appears to flourish in association with redwood forests.[2][5] It is not recommended as an edible mushroom because close cousins (namely, punicea) have made people sick.[2]
