The genus Gyromitra contains seven species. These have the ascomata distinctly stalked, and the upper surface covered with gyrose folds. The largest spore-sac fungi belong in this genus.

Gyromitra esculenta (Edible)

Cap - Bay red, round, lobed, irregular, gyrose-wrinkled, attached to the stem in several places. Hollow, white, and uneven within.

Stem - Whitish, hollow, scurfy. Two or more inches long.

Flesh - Edible only when young and freshly gathered.

Habitat - In sandy soil, during the wet weather of May and June.

G. esculenta.

M. deliciosa.

Section to show margin of the cap united to the stem.