Gyromitra gigas
Gyromitra gigas, commonly known as the snow morel, snow false morel, calf brain, or bull nose, is a fungus and a member of the Ascomycota. G. gigas is found in Europe. It is referred to as one of the false morels, due to its similar appearance and occurrence in the spring and early summer in similar habitats to true morels. It is suspected to contain hydrazines, though in the scientific literature its content in gyromitrin or hydrazine was never assessed or measured. No casualties have been ascribed to its consume and it is though to contain lower levels of gyromitrin than esculenta. Some guides have listed it as being edible if properly prepared. However, consumption is not recommended due to variability and similarity to other more toxic species of Gyromitra. A similar species, Gyromitra montana occurs in North America.Taxonomy
The species was first described scientifically by Julius Vincenz von Krombholz as Helvella gigas.
