Identification of the Larger Fungi

by Roy Watling

is similar in stature but differs in being ash-grey or dark grey.

Leptopodia elastica (St Amans) Boudier

is better placed in the genus Helvella. It differs in having a slender, smooth, cylindric stem and irregularly 2-3 lobed, yellow or tan-coloured cap.

Cyathipodia macropus (Fries) Dennis

is sometimes placed in Helvella. It differs in having a grey cup-shaped cap on a long, slender stem. The spore-bearing tissue in the last species is the inner surface of the cup whilst in Helvella and Leptopodia it is on the outer surface of the saddle-like cap.

Mitrula paludosa Fries, the ‘Bog beacon’

, is a similar fungus growing in spring to early autumn on old leaves and detritus in swamps. It is widespread and has a bright orange head on a white stem—as the common name might suggest. It grows to a height of about 20 mm.

Illustrations: H. crispa—F 6^e; Hvass 331; LH 41. H. lacunosa—F 6^b; Hvass 330; LH 39; NB 153⁴. L. elastica—Hvass 332; LH 39. C. macropus—F 6^a; LH 39.

Rhizina undulata Pine fire fungus

Fruit-body: width 20-60 mm, or several coalescing.