Helvella lacunosa
Pit Lorchel ( Helvella lacunosa )
The Pit Lorchel ( Helvella lacunosa, syn. H. sulcata ) is a species of fungus in the family Lorchelverwandten.
- 6.1 Literature
Features
Macroscopic characteristics
The fruiting bodies reach a height of 3-10 cm. The saddle-shaped -lobed, two to dreispitzige or irregularly shaped frizzy and brittle head part is colored light gray to blackish. The Hutlappen are covered with the spores producing fruit layer. The 3-8 cm tall, deeply furrowed longitudinally ribbed handle and has a tougher consistency and a dirty whitish to pale gray -brown color. Interior is crisscrossed the stem of irregular and elongated cavities. Young specimens have a pleasantly spicy, old, however a dull earthy smell. The flavor of the meat is unremarkable. The spore powder is white.
Microscopic characteristics
The spores are elliptical shaped and smooth. They measure 15-18 (20 ) × 10.5-12 (13 ) microns.
Artabgrenzung
The rarer Weißstielige or Brown Violet Lorchel ( Helvella spadicea ) is the Pit Lorchel color similar, but does not have a ribbed stem. In addition, similar to the Pit Lorchel with the dünnfleischigen structure, the lobed head part and the ridged handle strongly the closely related Autumn Lorchel, but the headboard has a creamy white color. In addition, the fruit layer are turned away, sterile surfaces of the Autumn Lorchel coated fine fluffy. This is caused by hair cells similar to prolonged and distinguishes them thus also of occasional albino forms of Grubenlorchel.
Ecology
The Pit Lorchel can be found from June to September in deciduous and mixed forests, parks and gardens. Specific soil claims exist.
Dissemination
The species is widespread in Europe, North America and East Asia to Japan. It occurs both in the lowlands and in mountainous areas.
Importance
The Pit Lorchel is edible. Some authors recommend to use the fungi only after previous boiling. In any case they should be heated sufficiently in the preparation. In the numerous cavities of Lorcheln also may be hidden various small animals.