Scarlet Flycap

Description:

An iconic species. As kids this was the mushroom that little pixies lived in! Quite a large fungus starting out convex but as cap develops it flattens and eventually becomes concave. Cap has a bright red waxy skin with white warts (see last image). Diameter of the cap can reach 130mm and can grow to a total height of around 170mm.

Habitat:

In NZ was thought to have been introduced from Europe in potting mix with seedling trees. it is a ground growing fungus often found in parks and gardens underneath exotic sp of tree. Is now spreading into southern beech forest which is of some concern. These images taken in the central North Island under Silver Birch trees.

Notes:

Not an overly common species in NZ but it certainly draws the eye, perhaps as a warning as it is considered toxic and should not be eaten.