Gyromitra esculenta

Frühjahrslorchel

2007-04-02 Gyromitra esculenta cropped

False morels for sale - don't touch

Methylhydrazine-3D-balls

False morels for sale in Helsinki 2

False morel sauce with vegetables

Gyromitra esculenta is a species of fungus in the family Discinaceae. Commonly known as the "false morel," it is highly regarded in some regions as an edible mushroom, although it is also highly toxic and can be deadly if not prepared correctly.

Description

Gyromitra esculenta has a distinctive appearance, with a convoluted, brain-like cap that ranges in color from reddish-brown to dark brown. The cap is typically 2–10 cm wide and 2–6 cm high. The stipe (stem) is white to pale yellow and can be 3–10 cm tall and 1–3 cm thick. The flesh is brittle and has a waxy texture.

Habitat and Distribution

This fungus is commonly found in coniferous forests and is often associated with sandy soils. It typically fruits in the spring and early summer. Gyromitra esculenta is widely distributed across North America and Europe.

Toxicity

Gyromitra esculenta contains the toxin gyromitrin, which is hydrolyzed in the body to produce monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a compound that is highly toxic to the liver and central nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and death. The toxicity of Gyromitra esculenta can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location and environmental conditions.

Edibility

Despite its toxicity, Gyromitra esculenta is considered a delicacy in some cultures, particularly in parts of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Traditional preparation methods involve parboiling the mushrooms in several changes of water to reduce the toxin levels. However, even with these precautions, consumption of Gyromitra esculenta is risky and not recommended by health authorities.

Related Species

Gyromitra esculenta is often confused with other species of false morels, such as Gyromitra infula and Gyromitra gigas. It is also sometimes mistaken for true morels of the genus Morchella, which are edible and highly prized.

See Also

• Fungus
• Mushroom poisoning
• Morel
• Discinaceae
• Gyromitrin