Helvella leucomelaena, commonly known as the "white-footed elf cup", is a species of fungi in the Helvellaceae family, Pezizales order. As its common name implies, it is characterized by the white coloring of its stem.The deeply cup-shaped cap of the fruiting body is up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) broad. The outer surface of the cap is blackish-brown near the top, with the color turning to white as it near the stem; the inner surface of the cup is blackish. The stem can be up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long by 0.5 centimetres (0.2 in) thick
In North America, this fungus is rare, but it has been collected in California, Alaska, and the Rocky Mountains. It has also been found in South America and Europe. It typically grows in coniferous forests, and the white stipe may be hidden or obscured by leaves or may be partially buried in the soil.Consumption of this fungus is not recommended as similar species in the Helvellaceae family contain the toxin gyromitrin.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Photos Athalassa 9/3/2010 by George Konstantinou
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