Gyromitra esculenta var. alba

Fruiting Body:

Size: The apothécie of Gyromitra esculenta var. alba typically reaches heights of 4-10 cm and has a diameter ranging from 3-11 cm.

Shape: The apothécie is roughly rounded but can be irregular with asymmetrical lobes.

Cap Surface: It is often characterized by convoluted and lobed surfaces, which can be quite complex.

Color: The color of the apothécie varies and is often pale to dark brown, with some specimens displaying shades of reddish-brown, purple, or dark hues. This contrasts with the white or cream-colored areas unique to this variety.

Fertile Surface:

The hyménophore can appear highly convoluted and brain-like, often displaying a wrinkled or knotty texture.

The color can range from reddish to brown, brown very dark, or even have hints of dark purple. Some areas may be paler and exhibit shades of brownish-yellow.

Outer Surface:

The outer surface is finely pubescent (downy or hairy) and can be white, pale yellow-brown, or pale brownish-red.

Stem:

The stem of Gyromitra esculenta var. alba measures 2-8 cm in length and 1.5-4 cm in width.

It may appear equal in width or slightly expanded at both ends, becoming filled with age and developing a lacunose (having small cavities or hollows) structure.

The surface can be smooth or slightly ribbed, and it can vary in color from pale or white to a pale flesh tone or even brownish-violet.

It may become blue-green at the base upon bruising or with time.

Flesh:

The flesh is thin, reaching a thickness of up to 6 mm.

It is friable, meaning it crumbles easily upon touch.

Spore Print:

The spore print of Gyromitra esculenta var. alba can range from white to ochraceous (pale yellow-brown).

Spore-Producing Structures:

Asques, which are the spore-producing structures, have eight spores in a single row (unisériées).

They are inamyloïdes, meaning they do not stain with iodine.

Asques can be quite large, measuring up to 180-220 x 15-17 µm.

Sterile Filaments:

Paraphyses are clavate (club-shaped), branched, and typically pale brown, forming clusters.

They have granular contents and smooth surfaces, gradually or abruptly broadening toward the apex, with apical cells measuring up to 39-77 µm in length.

Spores:

The spores are ellipsoidal to subfusiform, which means they are slightly tapered at both ends.

They are smooth and lack apical appendages or tubercles.

Each spore contains two guttules (small, colored droplets within the spore).

Spores are hyaline (translucent) and have dimensions averaging 18-22 x 9-13 µm.

Growth Mode:

Gyromitra esculenta var. alba can be found growing solitarily, gregariously (in groups), or in clusters.

Ecology:

It is a saprotrophic fungus, which means it obtains its nutrients from decaying organic matter.

This variety is often found in sandy soil rich in humus.

Preferred habitats include coniferous forests, especially under white pine trees, as well as in birch and poplar clearings and woodlands.

Fruiting Period:

Gyromitra esculenta var. alba typically fruits from April to mid-June.

Frequency:

This variety is considered very common in its preferred habitats.

Edibility:

Gyromitra esculenta var. alba, like other members of the Gyromitra genus, contains a highly toxic compound known as monomethylhydrazine (MMH). This toxin is chemically similar to hydrazine, a highly dangerous rocket fuel component. Ingesting even small amounts of mushrooms containing MMH can lead to severe health consequences, including life-threatening symptoms. It is crucial to understand the extreme toxicity of this mushroom variety and to never consume it or any other Gyromitra species. The toxins in this mushroom variety are not destroyed by cooking, drying, or any other typical culinary preparation methods.

Monomethylhydrazine (MMH): MMH is a powerful toxin found in Gyromitra mushrooms, including Gyromitra esculenta var. alba. It is a highly toxic compound known to cause severe poisoning when ingested. MMH can lead to a range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress, liver and kidney damage, seizures, and potentially fatal effects on the central nervous system.

Health Risks:

Ingesting Gyromitra esculenta var. alba can lead to a condition known as Gyromitra syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and, in severe cases, liver and kidney damage. Severe poisoning can be life-threatening and may lead to fatalities.

Toxicity Testing: In some regions, toxicity testing methods and analyses are available to confirm the presence of MMH in Gyromitra species. However, given the high toxicity, testing is typically conducted for research purposes and not to establish edibility.

Potential Confusion: Gyromitra esculenta var. alba may be mistaken for other morel mushrooms due to its similar appearance, but it is crucial to remember that morels are edible and highly sought after by mushroom foragers. Correctly identifying these mushrooms is of the utmost importance to avoid accidental ingestion of toxic Gyromitra species.

Remarks:

Gyromitra esculenta var. alba is one of the mushroom species responsible for a significant number of poisonings in North America and Europe.

While there may be variations in the coloration of the apothécie, entirely white or cream-colored forms are rare.

It should be avoided for foraging or culinary purposes due to its extreme toxicity.