B. Papp szerk.: Studia Botanica Hungarica 35. 2004 (Budapest, 2004)

Vasas, Gizella: Interesting macrofungi in Hungary VI. Four rare basidiomycete species

Hygrophorus poetarum Heim Relatively rare in Hungary, in the Hungarian red list of macrofungi (RIMÓCZI et al. 1999) it is recorded among the endangered species (EN, category 2). Only six specimens are deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum (BP). Before 1989, the species was known from four localities (BABOS 1989), i.e. from the Vendvidék (Szakonyfalu) in western Hungary, from the Buda Mts (Zsíros-hegy) in the central part of the country, and from the Mátra Mts (Párád) and Bükk Mts (Alsóhámor) in northern Hungary. This species was observed twice in the last 10 years in the Vendvidék (Kétvölgy). Further two recent literature records are known from the Őrség (Szalafő) and Mátra Mts (Mátrafüred) (RIMÓCZI 1994). It was found recently also in the Bükk Mts (Répáshuta, in Fageto, Mrs Gortva Gáborné, 12.09.2001., pers. comm.). Hygrophorus poetarum is a characteristic species of beech woods (CANDUSSO 1997, MOSER, 1983), but forms mycorrhiza with hornbeam and various oak species as well (KRIEGLSTEINER 2000). In Hungary it is also found mostly in beech forests, but two records are from mixed coniferous-deciduous forest from the Vendvidék. Imre Rimóczi has two collections from oak forests (RIMÓCZI 1994). According to the observations by Krieglsteiner, it is scattered in Germany, and is not regarded as an endangered species. In Europe, the species is widespread, but nowhere is frequent (KRIEGLSTEINER 2000). The scent of H. poetarum is discussed by various authors. In his description of the species Heim, the author, compared its scent to the Peruvian balsam, and that of Inocybe bongardii and /. corydalina, respectively. Candusso regards it as strong hyacinth-smell, or pleasant soap-smell, or the smell of decaying Amanita phalloïdes (CANDUSSO 1997). According to Bon the scent is similar to that of the Peruvian balsam, benzoin resin, cinnamon, Inocybe bongardii or Tricholoma sulphurescens (BON 1990). Moser regards it Peruvian balsam- or fruit-scented (MOSER 1983). H. poetarum specimens of our own collection had fruit-like scent, while specimens observed by Gábor Bohus in the Mátra Mts in 1972 had the scent of Peruvian balsam. Cap: 4—15 cm in diam. At first spherical, conical, then expanded, its margin incurved long when young, later becoming slightly undulate. Surface slightly slimy when damp, silky when touched, tinged if dry. Its main colour is creamy or ivory or pale ochre, and pinkish rose in the centre. Gills: widely adnate to decurrent, sparse, thick. Its colour is from whitish to creamy, more or less the same as the main colour of the cap.