Gyromitra esculenta is an ascomycete fungus from the genus Gyromitra. The fruiting body, or mushroom, is an irregular brain-shaped cap, dark brown in colour, that can reach 10 centimetres (4 inches) high and 15 cm (6 in) wide, perched on a stout white stipe up to 6 cm (2+1⁄2 in) high. It is widely distributed across Europe and North America, normally fruiting in sandy soils under coniferous trees in spring and early summer.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
Toxic. False morel; gyromitrin, converted to monomethylhydrazine Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Gyromitra venenata — considered toxic
- Gyromitra splendida — considered toxic
- Gyromitra antarctica — considered toxic
- Gyromitra tasmanica — considered toxic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Pezizomycetes
- Order
- Pezizales
- Family
- Discinaceae
- Genus
- Gyromitra
- Species
- Gyromitra esculenta
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