vs

Hygrophorus cossus compared with Hygrophorus persoonii

Key Differences

• is Critically Endangered while is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank
Kingdom same	Fungi (เห็ดรา)	Fungi (เห็ดรา)
Phylum same	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class same	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order same	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)	Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family same	Hygrophoraceae	Hygrophoraceae
Genus same	Hygrophorus	Hygrophorus
Species	Hygrophorus cossus	Hygrophorus persoonii

Evolutionary Relationship

and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Hygrophorus.

Conservation Status

CR — Critically Endangered

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, temperate coniferous forests, and boreal forests and taiga, among 4 distinct biome types within the Palearctic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Distributed across Norway and Sweden. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium and Norway. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Hygrophorus cossus is a waxcap fungus in the family Hygrophoraceae, assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). It grows in old-growth forest habitats, particularly in association with ancient trees, and is named for its distinctive soapy or waxy odour. Its critically endangered status reflects extreme rarity and the near-total loss of suitable old-growth forest habitat.

Hygrophorus persoonii is a robust, waxy-gilled mushroom with a dark olive-brown cap and pale gills, belonging to the waxcap-related Hygrophoraceae. It grows in mixed and coniferous forests, forming ectomycorrhizal associations with pine and spruce trees across temperate Europe. This fungus exchanges nutrients with tree roots and fruits in autumn.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 1 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway