Helvella crispa - White Saddle

Taxonomy

Class: Pezizomycetes

Order: Pezizales

Family: Helvellaceae

Helvella crispa is one of several 'saddle fungi' that appear in forest, particularly beside footpaths. They are easily overlooked among fallen leaves in dim light, but on bright days they are very easy to spot.

In answer to the question whether these kinds of fungi are edible, the simple answer is probably not: they can cause stomach upsets unless very thoroughly cooked, at which point they will lack both texture and taste. Let's not take risks, and just enjoy seeing them.

Identification guide

	Description The saddle-shaped cap may have two or three major undulations and many minor curled contortions. The upper surface is smooth and cream or occasionally pale ochre; the underside is pale ochre and slightly downy. The tapering stem is white and ornately furrowed or fluted; it is hollow and has thin, elastic flesh.
Dimensions	This species is very variable in size. The cap is typically 3 to 8cm across and 1 to 4cm tall; the stipe is 2 to 4cm in diameter and 4 to 8cm long.
Spore print	White.
Spores	Ellipsoid, 18 to 20 x 10 to 13µm.
Odour/taste	Faint odour; no distinctive taste.
Habitat	Under broad-leaved trees, particularly beech and oak, and most often beside well-trodden paths.
Season	Summer and autumn.
Occurrence	Frequent.
Similar species	Helvella elastica has a tough, smooth stem without channels. Helvella lacunosa has a grey-brown or black cap.