PEZIZALES: epigeous ascocarps with operculate ascus; families: Ascobolaceae, Helvellaceae, Humariaceae, Morchellaceae, Otideaceae, Pezizaceae, Tuberaceae( in its own order, Tuberales).

• Helvellaceae: ascocarps stipitate and either brain shaped, wrinkled, or saddle shaped; ascus inamyloid.

Helvella lacunosa	Gyromitra esculenta	Neogyromitra gigas.

Helvella lacunosa: common in needle humus under pines; stipitate apothecium with the brain shaped pileus. Note the holes (lacunae) on the stipe; what do you think is their function? Observe pg. 54 of the swiss ascomycete book for its structures. Gyromitra esculenta: common on rotted conifer wood in our area; has stipitate apothecium with brain-shaped pileus. This fungus contains gyromitrin which causes the destruction of tissue; however the fungus is edible if the ascocarp is parboiled (boiled in water and the water thrown out). What does this tell you about the physical properties of the toxin? See pg. 52 of the swiss ascomycete book for structures. Neogyromitra gigas. Snow morel; often found in areas next to snowbanks or where snow has recently melted.

classification system (places icons into orders)

index to genera/species