False Morel
Gyromitra esculenta
Typical Size (mm): 
60-120mm
 
Description: 

This fungus has a distinctive, brain-like red-brown cap and is found in coniferous woodland in sandy soils or wood chippings in Spring and Summer.

Cap: 

Chestnut to red-brown cap that is wrinkled, resembling a brain with black patches that increas in number with age.

Flesh: 

Fragile flesh with no particular taste or smell.

Spores: 

White

Stem: 

Generally short, wrinkled and grooved and is thicker at the base with hollow chambers. The stem surface, which is white to reddish brown has a mealy coating.

Distribution: 

Locally common

Habitat: 

Found in coniferous woodland, especially under Pines in sandy soil.