Conical morel

Latin name: Morchella conica Fries
French name: Morille conique
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Pezizales
Synonym(s): Morchella conica var. conica Fr.,
Morchella costata Ventenat,
Morchella intermedia Boud.

Description

Micro-habitat(s)

Litter

Distribution

Eastern Canada

Damage, symptoms and biology

Humicolous species that is 5 to 10 cm tall and measures 2 to 4 cm in diameter with a conical-shaped, sponge-like, brownish cap that presents several cavities arranged in vertical rows. The cap and the stem are separated by a very visible depression. The stem, slightly lighter in colour than the cap, is hollow, sometimes wrinkled and fairly fragile. The flesh is thin, fragile and has a very pleasant odour and taste. This species produces ochre-coloured spores.

Other information

Highly edible and sought after for its delicious flavour. It should be cooked carefully, however. The species' rarity has pushed up prices.

Habitats : deciduous forests, mixed forests, particularly those with balsam poplar.