Hygrocybe waolipo  is Hawaii's version of the north temperate
H. ovina , characterized by a black, convex-umbilicate, glabrous pileus, grey
lamellae and context tissues that do not discolor reddish, a dark grey striate stipe,
and broad basidiospores (mean width 6.1 µm).  Hygrocybe ovina  differs in
forming conico-convex to plano-convex, squamulose pilei, context tissues and
lamellae that bruise reddish, and narrower basidiospores.  Hygrocybe waolipo
represents another native species known only from endemic montane
ohi`a-hapu`u forests on the island of Hawai`i.  Its epithet is Hawaiian for "found
in the dark depths of the forest.".