False Morel
ExploreFungi
False Morel
gyromitra esculenta
The False Morel mushroom looks like a brain with its wavy, lobed shape! It's a fun fungus to find in the forest, but be careful, it's not safe to eat!
Habitat: False Morels typically grow in sandy or loamy soil in forests, especially under trees like pines and oaks.
Appearance
The False Morel has a brain-like or convoluted cap, typically reddish-brown to dark brown, unlike the honeycomb-like pits of true morels. Its irregular, lobed cap often appears wrinkled, giving it a unique, crumpled look, distinguishing it from edible varieties.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassPezizomycetesOrderPezizalesFamilyDiscinaceaeGenusGyromitra
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Cooking often doesn't remove all the dangerous chemicals from this tricky fungus.
It was once sold as an edible delicacy in some countries, but no longer!
Its unique brain-like cap looks like something from an alien planet!
This mushroom contains a deadly toxin that can affect your brain and liver!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxin Production
False Morel can produce a dangerous chemical called gyromitrin that helps protect it from being eaten.
Ability
Chemical Deception
False Morel has a shape that closely mimics edible morels, helping it spread spores.
Ability
Soil Recycling
False Morel can help break down organic matter because it is a saprobic fungus, which helps recycle nutrients.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-15 cm
- Edibility
- deadly
- Cap Diameter
- 3-15 cm
- Growth Substrate
- soil
- Season
- Spring to early summer
- Spore Color
- Yellowish-brown
Ecological connections
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Brain MushroomEaster MushroomMickey Mouse MushroomMushroom of DeathTurkey Kidney
Collections
Safety
Danger
4/5 · High
Do not touch or eat this mushroom without adult supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is False Morel?
5-15 cm
Is False Morel edible?
deadly
How big is False Morel?
3-15 cm
Where is False Morel usually found?
False Morels typically grow in sandy or loamy soil in forests, especially under trees like pines and oaks.
What does False Morel grow on?
soil
When is False Morel in season?
Spring to early summer
What color are False Morel spores?
Yellowish-brown
Snap Map
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