Helvella crispa Helvella crispa

Saddle fungi

        Saddle fungi belong to a relatively small group of fungi known as false morels. Some examples are somewhat similar in appearance to morels, at least enough so that some people have made the mistake of confusing members of the two groups. This is the type of mistake that could be fatal, since some saddle fungi are poisonous. Saddle fungi never have an upper portion (head) with pits and ridges as is the case for "true" morels. Indeed, the upper portion of a saddle fungus is wrinkled to saddle-shaped (hence the common name). Saddle fungi are decomposers of litter and humus.



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