Hygrophorus sp ? ID please

[Nettle Runner]

Anston Stones Wood 27 Oct 2007

Found small troop growing in grassland, on limestone, under Oak







Ken has already commented on Duke of York's image, suggesting that this might be a Hygrophorus sp. I have added further images showing gills etc. in the hope that the sp can be confirmed.

I note that there is a pink flush to the gills, and wondered if this is a definable characteristic.

Your comments and observations are welcomed
Les

[Fungus Ken]

Now that you have helpfully tipped the mushrooms up I'm thinking of revising my view. I suggested that the waxy gills were typical of Hygrocybe or Hygrophorus but off the top of my head I can't think of any white species of Hygrophorus that would have pinkish tinged gills.

However, Hygrocybe virginea can have pinkish tinges on the gills, which is caused by an infection with another fungus. What do you think?

It does occur occasionally on rich soil in deciduous woods, in addition to its more usual habitat of unfertilised grasslands, though I have never seen it with the droplets on the cap that you noticed.

Ken

[FungiJohn]

Looking at the images in photoshop ... and the description I would go with Hygrocybe virginea.

John

[Nettle Runner]

Thanks Ken & John for the positive ID.

We have two small areas of uncultivated grassland alongside the Stones Wood (SSSI) that are proving to be little treasures for fungi.

Les