Hygrophoropsis is a genus of gilled fungi in the family Hygrophoropsidaceae. It was circumscribed in 1888 to contain the type species, H. aurantiaca, a widespread fungus that, based on its appearance, has been affiliated with Cantharellus, Clitocybe, and Paxillus. Modern molecular phylogenetic analysis shows that the genus belongs to the suborder Coniophorineae of the order Boletales.
Hygrophoropsis
Closeup of the orange, forked gills of H. aurantiaca
Image: 2011 10 11 Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca crop
Image: Hygrophoropsis macrospora 132892
Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca
Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca, commonly known as the false chanterelle, is a species of fungus in the family Hygrophoropsidaceae.
It is found across several continents, growing in woodland and heathland, and sometimes on woodchips used in gardening and landscaping. Fruit bodies (mushrooms) are yellow–orange, with a funnel-shaped cap up to 8 cm across that has a felt-like surface. The thin, often forked gills on the underside of the cap run partway down the length of the otherwise smooth stipe. Reports on the mushroom's edibility vary – it is considered poisonous, but has historically been eaten in parts of Europe and the Americas.
Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca
James Sowerby's 1809 illustration of Agaricus subcantharellus
Underside of cap showing orange, forked gills and inrolled rim
Collection from Pennsylvania