14 April 2006 Surrey. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. Common Name False Morel, Turban Fungus, Brain Fungus, Lorchel Cap Wrinked, brain like, reddish brown, smooth, hollow, to about 15cm across Stem Often furrowed and irregular, surface finely granular, off white to dark grey, hollow Flesh Pale brown in the cap, whitish or pale brown in the stem Smell Indistinct Taste Do not taste Season Spring Distribution Frequent Habitat On sandy soil with conifers, favouring pine Microscopic Features Spores ellipsoidal, with 2 or more oil drops (18-23) x (9-12) µm2 Edibility Deadly poisonous. The fungus contains significant quantities of gyromitrin, which breaks down to form monomethylhydrazine, a toxic and volatile chemical that has been used as rocket fuel. The fungus is widely eaten, especially in Eastern Europe, where it is prepared by boiling the flesh at least twice and discarding the cooking water. There is some evidence to suggest that the fungus is never safe to eat, even when prepared, and that the toxins are cumulative. Symptoms of gyromitrin poisoning typically appear within 6 to 12 hours of consumption and include a bloated sensation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and lethargy. In severe cases signs of liver poisoning appear within 48 hours, sometimes accompanied by neurological symptoms such as delerium and muscle spasms, and death may ensue. Notes Take care not to confuse with true morels. Somewhat ironically esculenta means edible. 
22 March 2008 Bedfordshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
22 March 2008 Bedfordshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
22 March 2008 Bedfordshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. |