Helvella crispa

Taxobox
name = "Helvella crispa"

---

image_width = 250px
image_caption =
regnum = Fungi
divisio = Ascomycota
subdivisio = Pezizomycotina
classis = Pezizomycetes
ordo = Pezizales
familia = Helvellaceae
genus = "Helvella"
species = "H. crispa"
binomial = "Helvella crispa"
binomial_authority = (Scop.) Fr.mycomorphbox
name = Helvella crispa
hymeniumType=smooth
capShape = convex
whichGills = NA
stipeCharacter=bare
sporePrintColor=white
ecologicalType=saprotrophic
ecologicalType2=mycorrhizal
howEdible2=poisonous
howEdible=edible

"Helvella crispa", also known as the White saddle, Elfin saddle or Common helvel, is an ascomycete fungus of the Helvellaceae family. The mushroom is readily identified by its irregularly shaped whitish cap, fluted stem, and fuzzy undersurfaces. It is found in eastern North America and in Europe, near deciduous and trees in summer and autumn.

Etymology

The fungus was originally described by the naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli. Its specific epithet is Latin adjective "crispa" 'wrinkled' or 'curly'. The generic name was originally a type of Italian herb but became associated with morels.Nilsson S, Persson O.(1977) "Fungi of Northern Europe 1: Larger Fungi (Excluding Gill Fungi)". pp. 36-37. Penguin Books. isbn 0-14-063-005-8]

Description

"Helvella crispa" is creamy white in colour, 6-13 cm (2½-5 in) in length, with a cap 2-5 cm (1-2 in) in diameter. It is striking due to its irregularly-shaped lobes on the cap, but with a robust creamy-white base (2-8×1-2.5 cm in size). Its flesh in thin and brittle. The stem is 3-10 cm (1¼-4 in) long, white or pinkish in colour and ornately ribbed. It gives off a pleasant aroma, but is not edible raw. The spore print is white, the oval spores average 19 x 11.5 μm.cite book | author = Phillips R | year = 2006 | title = Mushrooms |pages=p. 360| publisher = Pan Macmillan Ltd|location=London| isbn=0-330-44237-6] Occasionally white capped forms are found. It can be distinguished from occasional white forms of "Helvella lacunosa" by its furry cap undersurface and inrolled margins when young.

Distribution and habitat

"Helvella crispa" grows in grass as well as in humid hardwoods, such as beech, (not so well in resinous ones) along the side of pathways, in hedges and on the talus of meadows. They can be spotted from the end of summer until the end of autumn.cite book | last = Haas |first=Hans | year = 1969 | title = The Young Specialist looks at Fungi |pages=p. 184| publisher = Burke | isbn= 0-222-79409-7]

It is found in Europe and eastern North America, though is replaced by the related "Helvella lacunosa" in western parts.cite book |last=Arora |first=David|authorlink=David Arora |year=1986 |title=Mushrooms demystified: a comprehensive guide to the fleshy fungi |edition=2nd ed. |location=Berkeley |publisher=Ten Speed Press |isbn=0-89815-169-4| pages=pp. 816]

Edibility

Although some guidebooks list this species as edible, the genus is now regarded with suspicion by many. Research has established this species contains methylhydrazine, which can cause severe sporadic intoxications, and may be carcinogenic. It has been reported to cause gastrointestinal symptoms when eaten raw.cite book |last=Ammirati |first=Joseph F.|coauthors= James A Traquair and Paul A Horgen |title=Poisonous mushrooms of the northern United States and Canada |year=1985 |publisher=University of Minnesota Press |location=Minneapolis |isbn=0-8166-1407-5 |pages=p. 259]

References

* [http://www.mushroomexpert.com/helvella_crispa.html Helvella crispa on Mushroomexpert.com]

Gallery