Helvella

Pit Lorchel ( Helvella lacunosa )

The Lorcheln ( Helvella ) is a fungal genus in the family Lorchelverwandten.

The type species is Helvella mitra.

Features

Macroscopic characteristics

The dünnfleischigen, mostly fragile fruiting bodies of Lorcheln are relatively large apothecia, which are divided into the pileus and stipe. The head portion having a top layer and a sterile fertile outside, the shape of the head may be cup-shaped, saddle-shaped or beaten down. The ribbed or without fins stem is hollow and cylindrical to conical goes into the head part over. The fruiting bodies are white - gray to brownish - black.

Microscopic characteristics

The nonblueing with iodine tubes each contain 8 elliptical spores, which are filled with a large and partially several smaller drops.

Ecology

The Lorcheln are ground-dwelling Saprobionten.

Species

The genus contains about 40 species worldwide. Some species are provided by some authors in their own genres. In Europe, the following species occur or are expected there:

Black and white cup Lorchel helvella leucomelaena

Ear -shaped Lorchel helvella silvicola

Gray Langfüßler Helvella macropus

Etymology

The scientific genus name is derived from the Latin helvus = yellow.