Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca
Approximately 1 species in Santa Cruz County.
Hygrophoropsis Records from Santa Cruz County:
Hygrophoropsis are often referred to as "false chanterelles". Those familiar with chanterelles will attest that this moniker is undeserved, since they're only weakly similar to that beloved "California Gold". Hygrophoropsis fruitbodies have decurrent, forked gills (a fairly uncommon trait in mushrooms) that are usually bright orange, mustard-tan to dark brown caps, and grow on logs and wood chips. All are saprobic. The species in our area are not known to be seriously toxic, but have caused distress of various kinds, and we strongly recommend not consuming them.
Although only one species is recognized from our area, we encounter many forms ranging from nearly black-capped to very light capped, orange-gilled to white-gilled, and of varying stature; undescribed species may be involved.
Identification is straightforward. Separation from Tapinella is based on colors, as well as the texture and structure of stipe.