General Information: This fungus is recognisable by the orange or yellow cap and stem and the decurrent gills. It was formerly placed in Cantharellus because of the colours, white spores and the decurrent gills, but it really differs in many other respects. It is true, however, that it is frequently confused with the true Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius Fries, [p. 162]) by those who do not inspect their specimens carefully. The gills are thin, plate-like as in other agarics and not fold-like as in Cantharellus (see [p. 162]). The Chanterelle is edible and sought after as a delicacy, but there are varying reports as to the edibility of Hygrophoropsis. Certainly it is not of the best quality and there is evidence for it causing upsets: therefore it is best to take the name ‘False Chanterelle’ at face value and treat this fungus as truely false; ‘aurantiaca’ means orange-coloured and refers to the colour of the fungus.
A pale form is frequently collected, particularly in hill-pastures, and is probably worthy of specific recognition. The cap is ochraceous yellow to cream and the stem distinctly dark in the lower half.
There is some confusion as to the true position in classification of this fungus. The anatomical details of the fruit-body parallel those of Paxillus involutus (Fries) Fries (see [p. 38]) although the spore-print is white. There is little doubt that future research will answer this problem.
Illustrations: Hvass 183; LH 185; NB 1031; WD 163.
Plate 30. Fleshy fungi: Spores white and borne on gills
![[Larger illustration]](#467779198995390083_illo107lg.png.id-9169855322672602596.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
(b) Agarics of chalk-grassland and rich uplands
Agaricus campestris Fries Field mushroom
Cap: width 40-100 mm. Stem: width 12-20 mm; length 40-80 mm.