|
|
|||||||||
 |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Helvella lacunosa |
Helvella lacunosa, the Elfin's Saddle, is rather
morbid in its appearance, with both the stem and the cap in shades of
leaden grey. This species seems to favour rich soil and burnt
ground.
Identification guide |
Description |
The saddle-shaped caps of Helvella lacunosa often have three or more contorted lobes. The cap edges join to the
stem to form a multi-lobed inner chamber with several opening.
The smooth outer surface of the cap is dark grey and smooth; that surface bears the spores. The infertile inner surface is also grey but has a felty feel. The longitudinally grooved stem is grey-brown and hollow, creating many inner chambers. |
Dimensions |
Typically 2 to 4cm across the cap; total height 4 to 10cm. |
Spore print |
White. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
On the ground and among leaf litter in all kinds of woodland. Often found on burnt ground in woodland clearings. |
Season |
Summer and autumn. |
Occurrence |
Frequent. |
Similar species |
|