Gyromitra esculenta False Morel
Found in the spring in association with conifers, on sandy acidic soils. As can be seen from these images I have always found them on sloping ground. Occurring singly, in small troops or tufted, this very poisonous fungus is
erroneously named esculenta meaning edible in Latin. The cap varies in size from 50mm to about 150 mm across, it has a convoluted nobly structure that defies geometric description. The colour varies from a pale almost yellow-brown to red almost black-brown. The flesh has a pleasant aromatic smell particularly the stem which can be barely visible, much of it hidden by the sinuous cap.
The short stem is very stout deeply grooved, folded and partially hollow with white waxy flesh tinged with yellow-ochre.
I have failed to acquire spores for this species, they are reported to be ellipsoid, hyaline, smooth, and embodying two oil drops.
This species has been found at Warren Heath & Bramshill Plantation.