Gyromitra

Notes

The false morels. These large operculate discomycetes have lobed and distorted, sometimes saddle-shaped caps and well-defined stalks.
There are at least two species in New Zealand, the indigenous G. tasmanica and the exotic G. infula. Both are poisonous.
Superficially similar in shape to the morels, but lacking the well-ordered network of ridges found in the morels (see Morchella).

 

NameImageGoogle
Images
NZFungi Entry

Gyromitra infula

Found in pine plantations in the central North Island.