Portal:Fungi/Selected species/26

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Gyromitra infula, commonly known as the elfin saddle or the hooded false morel, is a member of the ascomycete mushrooms in the family Helvellaceae. The caps of the fruit bodies of this species 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 fruiting body. It is found in the Northern Hemisphere, usually in the late summer and autumn, growing on rotting wood or on hard packed ground. G. infula is considered inedible as it contains the toxic compound gyromitrin. Gyromitra fungi are included among the informal category "false morels".