Gyromitra esculenta

Fruiting Body:

The apothecium of Gyromitra esculenta, often known as the "False Morel," is characterized by its distinctive features. It typically reaches a height of 4-10 cm and has a diameter ranging from 3-11 cm. The overall shape is roughly rounded but irregular, with asymmetrical lobes. It is stiped, chambered, and has a wavy to contorted margin, which often folds towards the stem, irregularly attaching to it.

Fertile Surface:

The hymenophore of Gyromitra esculenta can appear highly convoluted and cerebriform, with folds and knots. At times, it may present a smoother surface. Colors may range from reddish, brown, dark brown, to deep purple, occasionally transitioning to paler shades of pale brown or yellowish-brown.

Outer Surface:

The fine pubescent outer surface can vary in color from white to pale yellow-brown or pale brownish-red.

Stem:

The stem measures between 2-8 cm in length and 1.5-4 cm in width. It is usually equal or slightly expanded at both ends. As it matures, it becomes hollow and may display a smooth or somewhat ribbed texture. The color of the stem ranges from creamy to pale fleshy or purplish-brown.

Flesh:

The flesh of Gyromitra esculenta is thin, reaching up to 6 mm in thickness. It is friable and chambered.

Spore Print:

The spore print of this mushroom species can be white to ochre.

Asci

Asci are uniseriate with 8 spores, inamyloid, and can reach sizes of up to 180-220 x 15-17 µm.

Sterile Filaments:

Paraphyses are club-shaped, branched, and vary in color from pale brown to dark brown when grouped. They contain granular content, are smooth, and gradually to abruptly widen towards the apex, measuring up to 2-10 µm at their widest point. The apical cell can extend to a length of 39-77 µm.

Spores:

Spores of Gyromitra esculenta are ellipsoidal to subfusiform, smooth, without appendages or apical tubercles. They contain two guttules and are hyaline, with an average size of 18-22 x 9-13 µm.

Growth Habit:

This mushroom can be found growing either individually or in groups.

Ecology:

Gyromitra esculenta is saprotrophic, primarily growing in sandy soil rich in humus. It is commonly found in coniferous forests, especially under white pine trees, and in birch and poplar clearings.

Fruiting Period:

The typical fruiting period for this species is from April to mid-June.

Frequency:

It is considered very common and can be found in numerous locations.

Edibility:

Due to its extreme toxicity, Gyromitra esculenta is not considered edible, and it should never be ingested under any circumstances. Mistaking it for true morel mushrooms (Morchella species), which are highly sought after for culinary purposes, has resulted in accidental poisonings.

Cooking Does Not Render It Safe:

Contrary to a common misconception, cooking Gyromitra esculenta does not render it safe for consumption. The toxin remains intact even after cooking or drying.

Toxicity:

The main toxic compound found in Gyromitra esculenta is monomethylhydrazine (MMH). MMH is a highly toxic chemical that is also found in rocket fuel. Ingesting even a small amount of this toxin can have severe and potentially deadly consequences.

Symptoms of Poisoning:

The symptoms of Gyromitra esculenta poisoning typically include gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, the toxic effects can progress to more severe symptoms, including liver and kidney damage, convulsions, and even death in some cases.

Toxicity Variability:

It's important to note that the toxicity of Gyromitra esculenta can vary depending on factors like the geographic location, environmental conditions, and the specific strain or variety of the mushroom. As a result, it's challenging to predict the precise level of toxicity in any given specimen, making it highly risky to consume this mushroom.

Dangerous Confusion:

One of the most significant risks associated with Gyromitra esculenta is its potential to be mistaken for true morel mushrooms, which are edible and highly prized. The resemblance in appearance between the two species has led to unfortunate cases of poisoning. Therefore, it's crucial to be absolutely certain of the mushroom's identification before considering it for consumption.

Additional Information:

Gyromitra esculenta is infamous for causing a significant number of poisonings in North America every year, and it has been responsible for numerous fatalities, primarily in Europe. Variations in the color of the ascocarps exist, with pale varieties being rare. The alba variety is similar to the typical variety but is distinguished by its entirely whitish or creamy coloration. G. korfii differs from G. esculenta with its stocky, massive white stem and spores that are ellipsoidal-fusiform to fusiform, featuring a broad appendage at each end when mature. G. ambigua and G. infula tend to grow in late summer and autumn.