Gyromitra gigas

Gyromitra gigas (Krombh.) Cooke (illustrated 25% life size) Cap 4–15cm across and high, brain-like, round to ellipsoid, margin irregularly lobed, sometimes fused to stem; yellow-brown to tan, more reddish-brown in age, underside whitish; deeply convoluted and wrinkled, interior chambered. Stem 5–10cm long and wide, thick, short; whitish; ribbed, wrinkled, or grooved, the interior multi-channelled or folded in cross-section. Flesh brittle. Spores 24–36×10–15¼, ellipsoid, smooth or finely warted. Habitat singly or in groups on soil or humus under conifers; early summer. Very rare, endangered on Red Data List; only one record for Britain to date. Not edible contains toxic hydrazines.