The False Chanterelle, Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca

Description

The false chanterelle, is a species of fungus in the family Hygrophoropsidaceae. It can be found growing in a range of habitats, including woodland, heathland, and sometimes on gardening and landscaping woodchip. The Fruit bodies are yellow–orange, with a funnel-shaped cap up to 8 cm across that has a felt-like surface. The thin, often forked gills on the underside of the cap run partway down the length of the otherwise smooth stem.

Possible Confusion & How to Stay Safe

The False Chanterelle bears superficial resemblance to the Golden Chanterelle. It can however be distinguished from the true chanterelle by its deeper orange colour, brown stem base, the velvety cap surface and it's forked gills rather than gill-like ridges. It also has softer and thinner flesh, which isn't always pure white inside, and lacks the characteristic apricot-smell.