Figure 415.—Morchella bispora. One-half natural size.
Plate LIII. Figure 416.—Morchella bispora.
The two-spored Morel. Edible. Showing the cap free from the stem quite to the top.
Bispora, two-spored, differs from the other species in the fact that the cap is free from the stem quite to the top. The distinguishing characteristic, which gives name to the species, can be seen only by the aid of a strong microscope. In this species there are only two spores in each ascus or sac, and these are much larger than in the other species, which have eight spores in a sac or ascus. The ridges, as will be seen in Figure 415, run from the top to the bottom. The stem is much longer than the cap, hollow, and sometimes swollen at the base. The whole plant is fragile and very tender. The plants in Figure 415 were collected in Michigan by Prof. Longyear. Those in the full page display were found near Columbus and were photographed by Dr. Kellerman. It seems to have a wide range, but is nowhere very plentiful.
The spores can be readily obtained from morels by taking a mature specimen and placing it on white paper under a glass for a few hours.
The beginner will find much difficulty in identifying the species of Morels; but if he is collecting them for food he need not give the matter any thought, since none need be avoided, and they are so characteristic that no one need be afraid to gather them.
Morchella crassipes. Pers.
The Gigantic Morel. Edible.
Crassipes is from crassus, thick; pes, foot.