Paragyromitra infula

Paragyromitra infula
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Pezizomycetes
Order: Pezizales
Family: Discinaceae
Genus: Paragyromitra
Species:
P. infula
Binomial name
Paragyromitra infula
(Schaeff.) X.C. Wang & W.Y. Zhuang (2023)
Synonyms[1]
List
  • Helvella infula Schaeff. (1774)
  • Helvella brunnea J.F.Gmel. (1792)
  • Gyromitra infula (Schaeff.) Quél. (1886)
  • Physomitra infula (Schaeff.) Boud. (1907)
Paragyromitra infula
View the Mycomorphbox template that generates the following list
Smooth hymenium
Cap is convex
Hymenium attachment is not applicable
Stipe is bare
Spore print is yellow to buff
Ecology is saprotrophic or mycorrhizal
Edibility is deadly or choice

Paragyromitra infula, commonly known as the hooded false morel or the elfin saddle, is a species of fungus in the family Discinaceae. The dark reddish-brown caps of the fruit bodies develop a characteristic saddle-shape in maturity, and the ends of both saddle lobes are drawn out to sharp tips that project above the level of the fruit body. The stipe is white or flushed pale brown, smooth on the outside, but hollow with some chambers inside.

P. infula is found in the Northern Hemisphere, usually in the late summer and autumn, growing on rotting wood or on hard packed ground. The species is considered inedible as it contains the toxic compound gyromitrin which, when metabolized by the body, is converted into monomethylhydrazine. The toxin may be removed by thorough cooking.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference urlMycoBank: Gyromitra infula was invoked but never defined (see the help page).