Sorry, it looked so gross, like something that had died, that thoughts of eating
it were not on the agenda at all.
I was more concerned to find out if it was related to honeyfungus and would do
damage to my shrubs.


andrewpreece wrote:

Viz Gyromytra esculenta ( Turban Fungus ):-
"Uncommon but can be mistaken for Morel, and is deadly poisonous.
The broad, fist-shaped,deeply lobed brain-like, red-brown cap is divided
internally into a number of hollow chambers. The short, creamy-brown stalk
is externally furrowed and internally hollowed into several chambers. It is
fragile in texture. Habitat coniferous woods, less rare in Scotland, season
spring to early summer. Size, cap 2"-6", stem 2-5cm x 2-3cm. Sporeprint
cream."

As for the commom Morel, it seems more likely that is what you have. It has
a
more cellular appearance than the turban fungus, like large open-celled foam
nor
honeycomb, "pale brown to grey ( darker when old )". The habitat is
"well-drained
soil, usually under broad-leaved trees in woodland edges, hedgerows and
gardens".
The season is April to May. The sporeprint is also cream. "The pale ochre
stem is
grooved near its base and has a single hollow chamber".

Sounds as though a slice through the stem and a slice through the cap would
be a
good diagnostic test. Let us know if you come to a conslusion as to what it
is.

Andy

"Anthony E Anson" wrote in message
...
The message
from Joe Bloggs contains these words:

Just his last week I've seen in both my own and a friend's garden a
nasty mushroom/fungus - about 4" across - that has a stalk but looks
like brains or tripe. Fairly gross anyway. Anyone recognise it from my
description ?

I'm always in a dilemma about fungus. Do you leave them be ? Dig them in
? Remove and compost ? Remove and bin ?

Anyone out there with expertise in these matters ?

Like brains, i.e., rounded and sinuous folds, it sounds like a false
morel, Gyromytra esculenta. Despite its specific name, do not be tempted
to eat it. Raw, it is deadly, and even cooked its remaining poison(s)
is/are believed to be cumulative.

Like tripe, i.e., a bit like a sponge on a stalk, it sounds like a morel
- several varieties exist, and are good to eat. Excellent, in fact.

I suggest you go the the library and take out Mushrooms and other Fungi
of the British Isles by Roger Phillips. (ISBN 0-330-26441-9)

If you find it is the latter, feel very lucky, and leave them. Was there
ever a fire where they grow?

--
Tony
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