Growing on the ground. Massee.
Section of Gyromitra
esculenta.
G. esculen´ta Fr. (Plate [VI], fig. 6, p. 6.) Pileus rounded, lobed, irregular, gyrose-convolute, glabrous, bay-red. Stem stout, stuffed or hollow, whitish, often irregular. Spores elliptical, binucleate, yellowish, 20–22µ long.
The Edible gyromitra, formerly known as Helvella esculenta, is easily recognized by its chestnut-red irregularly rounded and lobed cap with its brain-like convolutions. The margin of the cap is attached to the stem in two or three places. When cut through it is found to be hollow, whitish within and uneven, with a few prominent irregular ribs or ridges. The stem is whitish, slightly scurfy, and when mature, hollow. In large specimens it sometimes appears as if formed by the union of two or more smaller ones.
The plant is 2–4 in. high and the cap commonly 2–3 in. broad. Specimens sometimes occur weighing a pound each. It is fond of sandy soil and is found in May and June. It grows chiefly in wet weather or in wet ravines or springy places in the vicinity of pine groves or pine trees. Peck, 48th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.
G. esculenta crispa n. var. Whole surface of the pileus finely reticulated with anastomosing costæ (ribs or veins).
Under evergreens. North Elba. June. Peck, 51st Rep. N.Y. State Bot.
Since 1882 myself and friends have repeatedly eaten it. In no instance was the slightest discomfort felt from it. It was always enjoyed. Mr. Charles H. Allen, San Jose, Cal., writes to me that G. esculenta grows plentifully in his region, and that it is not only edible, but he has found it one of the best. But the species, though long ago esteemed highly in Europe and by many in America, now rests under decided suspicion. It is not probable that in our great food-giving country anyone will be narrowed to G. esculenta for a meal. Until such an emergency arrives, the species would be better let alone.