We are lucky to have a wide range of fungi in the orchard but perhaps the most eccentric are the Waxcap mushrooms. There are a number of varieties of the Waxcap, including some that are red, some yellow, some pink and some violet. However, we have so far only seen one variety in the orchard so far.
It’s obvious that Waxcaps get their name from their waxy appearance but they actually get more waxy, and even slimy, in damp or rainy weather. A few of them are poisonous so it’s best to keep away from all of them.
Waxcaps are relatively uncommon and are actually becoming more rare. They are most often found in lowish grassy areas so are usually quite easy to see. They are a food source for a few animals and even if they are not eaten by creatures they will decompose and return their plentiful nutrients to the earth.
Waxcaps are often thought of as indicators of healthy unimproved grassland since they only thrive when there is no fertilisers, pesticides or weedkillers.
The picture above was taken in July 2021 (on the grassy strip on the western side of the orchard) and shows what is probably a Meadow Waxcap (Cuphophyllus pratensis) sometimes also called a buffcap. The cap was only about 4cm across. We have only rarely seen this type of Waxcap in the orchard; and none in the last two years.