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Helvella elastica

Helverlla elastica
With their irregularly shaped saddles and pale stems, Helvella elastica fungi are commonly found at the edges of woodland footpaths. When properly cooked they are edible but hardly worth collecting.

Identification guide

Description

The saddle-shaped caps of Helvella elastica generally have just two lobes and they are usually less contorted than the caps of most other fungi of the Helvella genus.

The smooth outer surface of the cap bears the spores, while the infertile underside, illustrated here, is paler and felty.

The long white stem is very rubbery and often appears to be twisted.

Dimensions

Typically 2 to 4cm across the cap; total height 5 to 10cm.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

Not distinctive.

Habitat

Beside woodland paths, particularly in mixed woodland.

Season

Summer and autumn.

Occurrence

Frequent.

Similar species

  1. Helvella crispa has a fluted, broader stem with external grooves and internal hollow channels.
  2. Helvella lacunosa has a grey-brown or black cap and a broader stem with external grooves and internal hollow channels.
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