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Ivory woodwax

Hygrophorus eburneus

A species of Woodwaxes, Also known as Ivory waxcap, White waxy cap

Ivory woodwax (Hygrophorus eburneus) prefers to sprout in moist and loamy soil. Common to thickets and similarly grassy areas, this species is easily identifiable due to its color and its slimy, almost waxlike coating. Specimens have been recorded in Europe, North American and Northern Africa.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 7 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Ivory woodwax

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Attributes of Ivory woodwax

Cap Diameter

2 - 7 cm

Height

3 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 7 cm across; convex to flat; ivory to cream; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Weakly decurrent; subdistant to distant; white to cream or slightly pinkish

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 4 - 15 cm long, 2 - 15 mm thick; pure white to grayish; surface silky, with short fibrils

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thick; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Ivory woodwax by these plants:

Spruces, Pines, Oaks, Populus, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Ivory woodwax

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Ivory woodwax

The ivory woodwax can be found in woods, mostly deciduous and mixed. It forms symbiotic relationships, mostly with oak and beech, helping the tree absorb water and nutrients while the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids. The fruitbodies grow on the ground in the vicinity of the host tree's roots.

Distribution Area of Ivory woodwax

North America,Europe,North Africa,northern Asia

Uses of Ivory woodwax

Ivory woodwax is an edible mushroom species appreciated for its culinary applications. It is particularly sought after by mushroom foragers due to its unique flavor, contributing to diverse dishes when in season. Despite not being the most popular, it holds value among enthusiasts and local communities that are familiar with its edibility and use it in traditional recipes. While ivory woodwax is safe to consume, it's crucial for gatherers to identify it correctly to avoid mistaking it for look-alikes that may be toxic.

Scientific Classification of Ivory woodwax

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Waxgills

Genus

Woodwaxes

Toxicity and Edibility of Ivory woodwax

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Edibility of Ivory woodwax

The ivory woodwax, though reported to be edible, is almost never used in the West. The mushrooms are very small and very slimy, their odor is often unpleasant, and their flavor unremarkable. In western China, however, a traditional beverage is made by combining ivory woodwax and yak's milk.

Similar Species to Ivory woodwax

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Fragrant funnel

Similar Species

Ivory woodwax

How to Differentiate Between Fragrant funnel and Ivory woodwax?

Ivory woodwax: Cap is slimy or viscous when moist.

Fragrant funnel: Cap is dry and not viscous.

Ivory woodwax: Has no distinctive smell.

Fragrant funnel: Has an anise-like fragrance.

Tips for Finding Ivory woodwax

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When is the Best Time to Find Ivory woodwax

Search for ivory woodwax during late fall to early winter, after a few consecutive days of rain. Ideal temperatures range from 40°F (5°C) to 60°F (15°C). Morning forays often yield the best results for this species.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Ivory woodwax

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Ivory woodwax

Search around the base of hardwoods, especially nearby beeches and oaks, where leaf litter is abundant.
Look for the distinctive ivory to white caps which can stand out against the darker forest floor.
Carefully move aside loose organic debris such as fallen leaves and twigs to locate concealed specimens of ivory woodwax.
Since they might be scattered, explore a wide area systematically to increase your chance of finding ivory woodwax.
Check in areas with moist soil but avoid waterlogged or extremely dry spots, which are less favorable for ivory woodwax.

How to Clean and Preserve Ivory woodwax

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How to Clean Ivory woodwax

For ivory woodwax, gently brush off any dirt using a soft brush. Refrain from soaking as it might damage their delicate structure. If necessary, lightly dampen a cloth and spot clean. Aim to preserve their physical integrity while removing particles.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Ivory woodwax

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in cool, dark, airtight containers with desiccants to maintain low humidity.

Dehydrator drying: Optimal for controlled low-temperature drying, preserving texture and minimizing spoilage.

Oven drying: Useful for steady low-heat application, achieving consistent dryness throughout.

Air drying: Ideal for delicate fungi, harnesses natural conditions, suitable for low-humidity areas.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Ivory woodwax

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch slices for 1-2 minutes, cool, dry, then freeze in containers.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Ivory woodwax

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage

Temperature

3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows breathing; prevents moisture buildup; ideal for delicate textures.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small perforations help maintain humidity without waterlogging.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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