Verpa conica

Verpa conica, commonly known as the bell morel or the thimble fungus, is a species of fungi in the family Morchellaceae. Sometimes mistaken for a true morel (genus Morchella), this species is a "false morel" characterized by a cap resembling a thimble that is freely attached to the stem.[2]

Verpa conica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Ascomycota
Class:	Ascomycetes
Order:	Pezizales
Family:	Morchellaceae
Genus:	Verpa
Species:	V. conica
Binomial name
Verpa conica (O.F.Müll.) Sw. (1815)
Synonyms[1]
Phallus conicus O.F.Müll. (1775) Leotia conica (O.F.Müll.) Pers. (1801) Relhanum conicum (O.F.Müll.) Gray (1821) Monka conica (O.F.Müll.) Kuntze (1898)

Verpa conica
float Mycological characteristics
	glebal hymenium
	cap is ovate
	hymenium is free
	stipe is bare
	edibility: edible but not recommended

Taxonomy

The species was first described under the name Phallus conicus by Otto Friedrich Müller in 1775. Later authors have moved the taxon to various genera: Persoon placed in Leotia in 1801, Samuel Frederick Gray transferred it Relhanum in 1821, while Otto Kuntze moved it to Monka in 1898. The species was transferred to Verpa by Olof Swartz in 1814.[1]

Description

Fruiting bodies have a smooth cap that is bell-shaped or conical, and 1.5 to 4 cm (0.6 to 1.6 in) broad;[2] it is attached to the top of the stem only, the margin of the cap is free – hanging like a skirt. The underside of the cap is tan to dark brown in color. The stem, which measures 5 to 11 cm (2.0 to 4.3 in) by 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) thick, is white and tapers upwards so that the apex is slightly thicker than the base; the stem surface is either smooth or slightly fuzzy.[3] It is generally hollow, although young specimens may be filled with cotton-like hyphae. The flesh is thin and brittle, and the cap can be easily broken off the stem.

David Arora notes that sometimes a variety with a wrinkled cap can be found, somewhat resembling a Gyromitra.[4]

Microscopic features

Spores are elliptical, smooth, hyaline, with dimensions of 28–34 by 15–19 µm. The asci are typically 500–550 by 21–27 µm, and eight spored. The paraphyses are club-shaped, branched, and septate.[5]

Differentiation from Morchella

Since the cap is free in V. conica, it is easily distinguishable from true morels. True morels attach at the base of the cap. V. conica mushrooms attach at the top of the cap—so they are even distinguishable from half-free morels. This mushroom also tends to be filled with a cotton material, whereas morels are hollow all of the way through.

Distribution and habitat

This species grows singly, scattered, or in groups on the ground in both hardwood and coniferous forests, often in river valleys, or along stream banks.[5] It often fruits in late spring, usually near morel season. It has been reported to fruit abundantly in the chaparral scrubland in southern California.[4]

Edibility

Verpa conica, like Verpa bohemica and closely related Morchella species, are edible once cooked,[6][7] although caution is advised.[8]

Use as an antioxidant

The free hanging cap of V. conica.

There is evidence that V. conica may contain compounds that function as an antioxidant. While not necessarily recommended for consumption, it is possible that an extract from V. conica could be used as an antioxidant supplement. A study done on the antioxidant activity of various mushroom species indicates that this species of Verpa does particularly well in reducing power. They also do well in binding iron, which may be related to peroxidation protection.[9]

References

1. "Verpa conica (O.F. Müll.) Sw. 1814". MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
2. Kuo M (January 2005). "Verpa conica". MushroomExpert.Com. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
3. Healy RA, Huffman DR, Tiffany LH, Knaphaus G (2008). Mushrooms and Other Fungi of the Midcontinental United States. Bur Oak Guide. Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa Press. p. 297. ISBN 978-1-58729-627-7.
4. Arora D. (1986). Mushrooms Demystified: a Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi. Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. p. 795. ISBN 0-89815-169-4.
5. Tylutki EE. (1979). Mushrooms of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Moscow, Idaho: University Press of Idaho. p. 42. ISBN 0-89301-062-6.
6. Jordan M. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Fungi of Britain and Europe. London, UK: Frances Lincoln. p. 57. ISBN 0-7112-2379-3.
7. Weber NS, Smith AH (1980). The Mushroom Hunter's Field Guide. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press. p. 39. ISBN 0-472-85610-3.
8. Phillips, Roger (2010). Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. p. 363. ISBN 978-1-55407-651-2.
9. Elmastas, Mahfuz; Isildak, Omer; Turkekul, Ibrahim; Temur, Nuri (2007). "Determination of antioxidant activity and antioxidant compounds in wild edible mushrooms". Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 20 (3–4): 337–345. doi:10.1016/j.jfca.2006.07.003.