Porpolompsis calyptriformis
Fast facts
- Common names
- Ballerina Waxcap
- Scientific name
- Porpolompsis calyptriformis
- When to See It
- August-October
Description
A medium to large waxcap with a narrowly conical cap, coloured pink to lilac and either dry or slightly slimy. As it matures, the cap often develops irregular lobes and splits around the margin. The gills are white or flushed pink, sometimes matching the cap in colour. The stem is slender, white to very pale pink, and tapers towards the base.
Identifying Ballerina Waxcap
One of the easiest waxcaps to recognise, with its distinctive pink colouring and sharply conical cap. The cap, usually 2–7 cm across, is pale to deeper pink with a greasy surface, initially steeply pointed before flattening and often splitting with age. Gills are pink when young, fading paler over time, and are fairly widely spaced and narrowly attached to the stem. The stem itself is smooth, white to pale pink, and often slightly hollow. Its unique ballerina-like shape and striking colour make it difficult to confuse with other grassland fungi.
Lookalikes
The striking pink colouring and sharply conical cap make this species difficult to mistake when fresh.
When to Find Them
This species can be found across the region in unimproved grassland, lawns and churchyards, typically fruiting from August to October.
Interesting Fact
The Ballerina Waxcap is considered Vulnerable on the Global Fungal Red List. However, the UK is an important stronghold for the species, and it is now thought to be more widespread here than previously believed.
Join the hunt for North East Waxcaps
Urban or rural, beginner or expert, we need your help to record twelve distinctive waxcaps across the North East this autumn.
Your records can add to our understanding of these colourful fungi in the region and inform conservation and monitoring efforts.
Taking part is easy and every record counts, wherever you live in the region. Records of all waxcap species are encouraged.
