Hygrophorus is a
genus of
agarics (gilled mushrooms) in the
family Hygrophoraceae. Called "
woodwaxes" in the UK or
"waxy caps" (together with
Hygrocybe species) in North America,
basidiocarps (fruit bodies) are typically fleshy, often with slimy caps and
lamellae that are broadly attached to
decurrent. All species are ground-dwelling and
ectomycorrhizal (forming an association with living trees) and are typically found in woodland. Around 100 species are recognized worldwide. Fruit bodies of several species are considered
edible and are sometimes offered for sale in local markets.