Paragyromitra infula

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Paragyromitra infula
Gyromitra infula Sasata.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Pezizomycetes
Order: Pezizales
Family: Discinaceae
Genus: Paragyromitra
Species:
P. infula
Binomial name
Paragyromitra infula
(Schaeff.) X.C. Wang & W.Y. Zhuang (2023)
Synonyms [1]
List
  • Helvella infulaSchaeff. (1774)
  • Helvella brunnea J.F.Gmel. (1792)
  • Gyromitra infula(Schaeff.) Quél. (1886)
  • Physomitra infula(Schaeff.) Boud. (1907)
Paragyromitra infula
Information icon.svg
Smooth icon.pngSmooth hymenium
Convex cap icon.svg Cap is convex
NA cap icon.svg Hymenium attachment is not applicable
Bare stipe icon.svg Stipe is bare
Transparent spore print icon.svg
Transparent spore print icon.svg
 Spore print is yellow to buff
Saprotrophic fungus.svgMycorrhizal fungus.svgEcology is saprotrophic or mycorrhizal
Mycomorphbox Deadly.pngMycomorphbox Choice.pngEdibility is deadly or choice

Paragyromitra infula, commonly known as the hooded false morel or the elfin saddle, is a species of fungus in the family Discinaceae. The dark reddish-brown caps of the fruit bodies develop a characteristic saddle-shape in maturity, and the ends of both saddle lobes are drawn out to sharp tips that project above the level of the fruit body. The stipe is white or flushed pale brown, smooth on the outside, but hollow with some chambers inside.

Contents

P. infula is found in the Northern Hemisphere, usually in the late summer and autumn, growing on rotting wood or on hard packed ground. The species is considered inedible as it contains the toxic compound gyromitrin which, when metabolized by the body, is converted into monomethylhydrazine. The toxin may be removed by thorough cooking.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1774 by the German mycologist Jacob Christian Schäffer as Helvella infula (the original genus spelling was Elvela). [2] In 1849, Elias Magnus Fries established the genus Gyromitra , distinguishing it from Helvella based on a gyrose hymenium (marked with wavy lines or convolutions); the genus was based on the type species G. esculenta . [3] Later, in 1886, the French mycologist Lucien Quélet transferred the species to Gyromitra. The next few decades witnessed some lingering confusion as to the correct taxonomical placement of these fungi. In 1907, Jean Boudier moved both G. esculenta and H. infula into a newly created genus he called Physomitra; he retained the genus Gyromitra but "based it on an entirely different character so as to exclude from the genus the very species on which it was founded". [4] In an attempt to reconcile the confusion surrounding the naming and identity of the two mushrooms, Fred J. Seaver proposed that both were synonymous, representing variable forms of the same species. [4] His suggestion was not adopted by later mycologists, who identified various differences between the two species, including fruiting time as well as macroscopic and microscopic differences. [5] [6] The species is now classified in the newly erected genus Paragyromitra .

The specific epithet is from the Latin infǔla, a heavy band of twisted wool worn by Roman officiants at sacrifices. [7] It is known more commonly as the elfin saddle [8] or the hooded false morel. [9] Additionally, P. infula is a member of a group of fungi collectively known as "false morels", so named for their resemblance to the highly regarded edible true morels of the genus Morchella . This group includes species such as Gyromitra esculenta (brain mushroom), Discina caroliniana (beefsteak mushroom) and Discina gigas (snow morel).

Description

The cap of the fruit body (technically an apothecium) is about 2.5–9 cm (1–3+1⁄2 in) wide and tall, reddish to orangish brown, and saddle-shaped [10] with 2–4 lobes. It is chambered or hollow within [10] and frequently develops blackish-brown spots on the surface. During the mushroom's development, the cap's periphery grows into the stipe below to form a hollow, roughly bell-shaped structure with the fertile spore-bearing surface (the hymenium) on the outside; as the surface growth of the hymenium continues to expand even after joining to the stipe, the hymenium can no longer follow and it arches up into folds and pads. [11]

The mostly hollow stipe is between 2–8 cm (3⁄4–3+1⁄8 in) high and 1–2.5 cm (3⁄8–1 in) thick, varying in color from reddish brown [10] to whitish or even bluish, but is typically lighter than the cap. [12] The stipe is minutely tomentose – covered with a layer of very fine hairs. The context (flesh) is 1–2 millimetres thick, brittle, [13] and whitish to brownish. [10] It lacks a notable odor or taste.

Ascospores are ellipsoidal in shape, hyaline, smooth, thin-walled, with dimensions of 17–22 by 7–9  μm. [14] They are also biguttulate, containing two large oil droplets at either end. The spore-producing cells, the asci, are roughly cylindrical, eight-spored, operculate (opening by an apical lid to discharge the spores) and have dimensions of 200–350 by 12–17 |μm. [13] The diameter of the club-shaped paraphyses is 7–10 μm at the apex.

Similar species

Gyromitra esculenta has a wrinkled surface (similar to brainlike convolutions), not wavy or bumpy like P. infula. Paragyromitra ambigua is very similar in appearance, and although it is usually not possible to discern between the two species without examining microscopic characteristics, [15] P. ambigua is said to have more pronounced purple tints in the stipe [16] and has larger spores (about 22–30 μm long). [17] Discina brunnea is more stout with a white stem, with a wrinkled cap which usually lacks points. [10]

The saddle-shaped cap of P. infula might also lead to confusion with some species of the genus Helvella, but these latter fungi typically have grayer colors and thinner, fluted stipes (e.g. H. maculata which has distinctly white flesh). [10]

P. infula in northern Saskatchewan Gyromitra infula sasata.JPG
P. infula in northern Saskatchewan

Distribution and habitat

P. infula is widely distributed throughout boreal, montane and coastal forests in North America. [18] The North American range extends north to Canada [19] and south to Mexico. [20] It has also been reported from South America, [21] Europe, [22] and Asia. [23]

The fungus can be found growing singly to scattered in or near coniferous woodland in autumn, often on rotten wood. [24] [25] It is also commonly found on packed ground, such as beside country roads, or in campgrounds. [26] Associated conifers include Picea glauca , P. mariana , P. sitchensis , Pinus contorta , P. banksiana , P. monticola , Abies balsamea , A. grandis , Pseudotsuga menziesii , Tsuga heterophylla , Larix occidentalis , Thuja plicata , as well as the deciduous tree species Populus balsamifera , P. tremuloides , Acer macrophyllum , Alnus species, and Betula papyrifera . [27]

Toxicity

This fungus is inedible, as it contains the toxic compound gyromitrin, [14] which when digested is metabolized into monomethylhydrazine, a major component of rocket fuel. [28] However, a newer study from 2023 found no traces of gyromitrin in G. infula using a new chromatography method. [29]


Although much of the gyromitrin may be removed by parboiling with generous volumes of water, consumption is not advisable due to possible long-term health effects. There is evidence that even small doses of gyromitrin may have a cumulative carcinogenic effect. [28]

Related Research Articles

<i>Morchella</i> Genus of fungi

Morchella, the true morels, is a genus of edible sac fungi closely related to anatomically simpler cup fungi in the order Pezizales. These distinctive fungi have a honeycomb appearance due to the network of ridges with pits composing their caps. Morels are prized by gourmet cooks, particularly in Catalan and French cuisine, but can be toxic if consumed raw or undercooked. Due to difficulties in cultivation, commercial harvesting of wild morels has become a multimillion-dollar industry in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, in particular North America, Turkey, China, the Himalayas, India, and Pakistan where these highly prized fungi are found in abundance.

<i>Gyromitra esculenta</i> Species of fungus

Gyromitra esculenta is an ascomycete fungus from the genus Gyromitra, widely distributed across Europe and North America. It normally fruits in sandy soils under coniferous trees in spring and early summer. The fruiting body, or mushroom, is an irregular brain-shaped cap dark brown in colour that can reach 10 centimetres high and 15 cm (6 in) wide, perched on a stout white stipe up to 6 cm high.

Gyromitrin is a toxin and carcinogen present in several members of the fungal genus Gyromitra, like G. esculenta. Its formula is C4H8N2O. It is unstable and is easily hydrolyzed to the toxic compound monomethylhydrazine CH3NHNH2. Monomethylhydrazine acts on the central nervous system and interferes with the normal use and function of vitamin B6. Poisoning results in nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, while severe poisoning can result in convulsions, jaundice, or even coma or death. Exposure to monomethylhydrazine has been shown to be carcinogenic in small mammals.

<i>Morchella esculenta</i> Species of fungus

Morchella esculenta is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota. It is one of the most readily recognized of all the edible mushrooms and highly sought after. Each fruit body begins as a tightly compressed, grayish sponge with lighter ridges, and expands to form a large yellowish sponge with large pits and ridges raised on a large white stem. The pitted yellow-brown caps measure 2–7 centimetres broad by 2–10 cm (1–4 in) tall, and are fused to the stem at its lower margin, forming a continuous hollow. The pits are rounded and irregularly arranged. The hollow stem is typically 2–9 cm long by 2–5 cm (1–2 in) thick, and white to yellow. The fungus fruits under hardwoods and conifers during a short period in the spring, depending on the weather, and is also associated with old orchards, woods and disturbed grounds.

<i>Helvella crispa</i> Species of fungus

Helvella crispa, also known as the fluted white elfin saddle, white saddle, elfin saddle or common helvel, is an ascomycete fungus of the family Helvellaceae. The mushroom is readily identified by its irregularly shaped whitish cap, fluted stem, and fuzzy undersurfaces. It is found in eastern North America and in Europe, near deciduous trees in summer and autumn.

<i>Discina gigas</i> Species of fungus

Discina gigas, commonly known as the snow mushroom, snowbank false morel, walnut, giants false morel, snow morel, snow false morel, calf brain, or bull nose, is a species of fungus and a member of the Ascomycota found in Europe. It is referred to as one of the false morels, due to its similar appearance and occurrence in the spring and early summer in similar habitats to true morels.

<i>Gyromitra</i> Genus of fungi

Gyromitra is a genus of about 18 species of ascomycete fungi. They are a false morel - a frequently toxic mushroom that can be mistaken for edible mushrooms of the genus Morchella (morels).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">False morel</span> Name for several species of mushroom

The name false morel is given to several species of mushroom which bear a resemblance to the highly regarded true morels of the genus Morchella. Like Morchella, false morels are members of the Pezizales, but within that group represent several unrelated taxa scattered through the families Morchellaceae, Discinaceae, and Helvellaceae, with the epithet "false morel" most often ascribed to members of the genus Gyromitra.

<i>Paragyromitra ambigua</i> Species of fungus

Paragyromitra ambigua is an ascomycete species of fungus in the family Discinaceae, and related to the false morel G. esculenta. The species is found in North America, where it produces fruit bodies (mushrooms) that grow on the ground. The edibility of the fruit bodies is not known with certainty, and it is not recommended for consumption.

<i>Gyromitra caroliniana</i> Species of fungus

Gyromitra caroliniana, known commonly as the Carolina false morel or big red, is an ascomycete fungus of the genus Gyromitra, within the Pezizales group of fungi. It is found in hardwood forests of the southeastern United States, where it fruits in early spring soon after snowmelt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Discinaceae</span> Family of fungi

The Discinaceae are a family of ascomycete fungi, the best known members of which are the false morels of the genus Gyromitra. Originally erected by Erich Heinz Benedix in 1961, it was found to be a discrete clade in a molecular study of ribosomal DNA by mycologist Kerry O'Donnell in 1997. As of 2008, the family is thought to contain 5 genera and 58 species. As of 2022, the GBIF accepts Discina(Fr.) Fr., Gymnohydnotrya B.C.Zhang & Minter, 1989, GyromitraFr., 1849, HydnotryaBerk. & Broome and Maublancomyces. But calls NeogyromitraS.Imai and PseudorhizinaJacz. doubtful.

<i>Helvella lacunosa</i> Species of fungus

Helvella lacunosa, known as the slate grey saddle or fluted black elfin saddle in North America, simply as the elfin saddle in Britain, is an ascomycete fungus of the family Helvellaceae. It is one of the most common species in the genus Helvella. The mushroom is readily identified by its irregularly shaped grey cap, fluted stem, and fuzzy undersurfaces. It is usually found in Eastern North America and in Europe, near deciduous and coniferous trees in summer and autumn.

<i>Verpa bohemica</i> Species of fungus

Verpa bohemica is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae. The synonym Ptychoverpa bohemica is often used by European mycologists and it is commonly known as the early morel or the wrinkled thimble-cap. The mushroom has a pale yellow or brown thimble-shaped cap—2 to 4 cm in diameter by 2 to 5 cm long—that has a surface wrinkled and ribbed with brain-like convolutions. A feature distinguishing the species from true morels, the cap hangs free from the top of the stem, which is lighter in color, brittle, and up to 12 cm long by 1 to 2.5 cm thick. Microscopically, the mushroom is distinguished by its large spores, typically 60–80 by 15–18 μm, and the presence of only two spores per ascus.

<i>Helvella acetabulum</i> Species of fungus

Helvella acetabulum is a species of fungus in the family Helvellaceae, order Pezizales. This relatively large cup-shaped fungus is characterized by a tan fruit body with prominent branching ribs resembling a cabbage leaf; for this reason it is commonly known as the cabbage leaf Helvella. Other colloquial names include the vinegar cup and the brown ribbed elfin cup. The fruit bodies reaches dimensions of 8 centimetres (3 in) by 4 cm tall. It is found in Eurasia and North America, where it grows in sandy soils, under both coniferous and deciduous trees.

<i>Helvella corium</i> Species of fungus

Helvella corium is a species of fungus in the family Helvellaceae of the order Pezizales. This inedible cup-shaped fungus is black, and grows on the ground often near willows in deciduous or mixed forests.

<i>Helvella elastica</i> Species of fungus

Helvella elastica, commonly known as the flexible Helvella or the elastic saddle, is a species of fungus in the family Helvellaceae of the order Pezizales. It is found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It has a roughly saddle-shaped yellow-brown cap atop a whitish stipe, and grows on soil in woods. Another colloquial name is the brown elfin saddle.

<i>Disciotis venosa</i> Species of fungus

Disciotis venosa, commonly known as the bleach cup, veiny cup fungus, or the cup morel is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae. Fruiting from April, they are often difficult to locate because of their nondescript brown color.

<i>Plectania nannfeldtii</i> Species of fungus

Plectania nannfeldtii, commonly known as Nannfeldt's Plectania, the black felt cup, or the black snowbank cup fungus, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcosomataceae. The fruit bodies of this species resemble small, black, goblet-shaped shallow cups up to 3 cm wide, with stems up to 4 cm long attached to black mycelia. Fruit bodies, which may appear alone or in groups on the ground in conifer duff, are usually attached to buried woody debris, and are commonly associated with melting snow. Plectania nannfeldtii is found in western North America and in Asia, often at higher elevations. Similar black cup fungi with which P. nannfeldtii may be confused include Pseudoplectania vogesiaca, P. nigrella, and Helvella corium.

<i>Discina fastigiata</i> Species of fungus

Discina fastigiata is a species of fungus in the family Discinaceae. Its common names are brown false morel and brown gyromitra. It is related to species containing the toxin monomethylhydrazine, so its consumption is not advised.

<i>Gyromitra californica</i> Species of fungus

Gyromitra californica, commonly known as the umbrella false morel, is a species of fungus in the family Discinaceae. It was described as Helvella californica by W. Phillips in 1879. It is considered probably poisonous. However, poisoning reports do not exist for G. californica, and the toxin gyromitrin has not been detected in raw samples.

References

  1. ↑ "Gyromitra infula (Schaeff.) Quél. 1886". MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
  2. ↑ Schaeffer JC. (1774). Fungorum qui in Bavaria et Palatinatu Nascuntur Icones (in Latin). Vol. 4. p. 105.
  3. ↑ Fries EM. (1849). Summa vegetabilium Scandinaviae (in Latin). pp. 259–572.
  4. 1 2 Seaver FJ. (1920). "Photographs and descriptions of cup-fungi: VIII. Elvela infula and Gyromitra esculenta". Mycologia . 12 (1): 1–5. doi:10.2307/3753481. JSTOR   3753481.
  5. ↑ Kanouse BB. (1948). "Studies in the genus Otidea". Mycologia. 41 (6): 660–77. doi:10.2307/3755023. JSTOR   3755023.
  6. ↑ Groves JW, Hoare SC. (1953). "Notes on fungi from northern Canada. I. Hypocreales and Discomycetes". The Canadian Field-Naturalist. 68: 1–8. doi:10.5962/p.341510.
  7. ↑ Simpson DP. (1979). Cassell's Latin Dictionary (5 ed.). London: Cassell. p. 883. ISBN   978-0-304-52257-6.
  8. ↑ Kuo M. "Gyromitra infula & Gyromitra ambigua". MushroomExpert.Com. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  9. ↑ Evenson VS. (1997). Mushrooms of Colorado and the Southern Rocky Mountains. Englewood, Colorado: Westcliffe Publishers. p. 39. ISBN   978-1-56579-192-3.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Audubon (2023). Mushrooms of North America. Knopf. p. 32. ISBN   978-0-593-31998-7.
  11. ↑ Gäumann EA, Dodge CW. (1928). Comparative Morphology of the Fungi. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company. pp. 347–48.
  12. ↑ Wood M, Stevens F. "Gyromitra infula". California Fungi. MykoWeb. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  13. 1 2 Wells VL, Kempton PE. (1968). "Studies on the fleshy fungi of Alaska II". Mycologia. 60 (4): 888–901. doi:10.2307/3757390. JSTOR   3757390.
  14. 1 2 Tylutki EE. (1979). Mushrooms of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Moscow, Idaho: University Press of Idaho. p. 73. ISBN   978-0-89301-062-1.
  15. ↑ Kempton PE, Wells VL. (1973). "Studies on the fleshy fungi of Alaska. VI. Notes on Gyromitra". Mycologia. 65 (2): 396–400. doi:10.2307/3758111. JSTOR   3758111.
  16. ↑ Weber NS, Smith AH. (1980). The Mushroom Hunter's Field Guide. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press. p. 49. ISBN   978-0-472-85610-7.
  17. ↑ Trudell S, Ammirati J. (2009). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press Field Guides. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 280. ISBN   978-0-88192-935-5.
  18. ↑ Groves JW, Hoare SC. (1954). "Notes on fungi from northern Canada. I. Hypocreales and Discomycetes". The Canadian Field-Naturalist. 68: 1–8. doi:10.5962/p.341510.
  19. ↑ Schalkwijk-Barendsen HME. (1991). Mushrooms of Western Canada. Edmonton, Canada: Lone Pine Publishing. p.  382. ISBN   978-0-919433-47-2.
  20. ↑ Medel R. (2005). "A review of the genus Gyromitra (Ascomycota, Pezizales, Discinaceae) in Mexico". Mycotaxon. 94: 103–10.
  21. ↑ Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (1970). Fungus Flora of Venezuela and Adjacent Countries. Lubrecht & Cramer. ISBN   978-3-7682-0692-1.
  22. ↑ Harmaja H. (1969). "A wider and more natural concept of the genus Gyromitra Fr". Karstenia. 9: 9–12. doi: 10.29203/ka.1969.53 .
  23. ↑ Korf RP, Zhuang W. (1991). "A preliminary Discomycete flora of Macaronesia: Part 13, Morchellaceae, Helvellaceae". Mycotaxon . 40: 287–94.
  24. ↑ Persson O, Nilsson S. (1978). Fungi of Northern Europe: Larger Fungi (Excluding Gill Fungi). New York, New York: Penguin Books. pp. 36–37. ISBN   978-0-14-063005-3.
  25. ↑ Arora D. (1986). Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi. Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. p. 803. ISBN   978-0-89815-169-5.
  26. ↑ Smith AH. (1975). A Field Guide to Western Mushrooms. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press. p. 14. ISBN   978-0-472-85599-5.
  27. ↑ Abbott SP. (1992). Systematic studies of the Helvellaceae in northern and northwestern North America. M.Sc. Thesis: University of Alberta (Canada). p. 53.
  28. 1 2 "Morels: a morsel after the fire" (PDF). University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2009.
  29. ↑ Dirks, Alden C.; Mohamed, Osama G.; Schultz, Pamela J.; Miller, Andrew N.; Tripathi, Ashootosh; James, Timothy Y. (2023-01-02). "Not all bad: Gyromitrin has a limited distribution in the false morels as determined by a new ultra high-performance liquid chromatography method". Mycologia. 115 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1080/00275514.2022.2146473. ISSN   0027-5514. PMID   36541902.

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