False morel
Gyromitra esculenta
Local namesyalancı kuzugöbeğikuzugöbeği ebesiyarım kafa mantarı
The false morel is a mushroom with an irregular, reddish-brown cap folded like a brain. Its gyromitrin turns into monomethylhydrazine in the body, harming the liver, nervous system and kidneys, and it can kill. Cooking does not remove all the toxin. In spring it is confused with true morels.
Where it's found
Spring, even as snow melts, on sandy soil under pines and sometimes aspens, often on disturbed ground such as clearings, roadsides and burn sites.
Distribution
Widespread across Europe and North America; recorded in Turkey from Uşak Province and near Kaş in Antalya Province.
Similar species
Identification suggestions (from the community or from AI) and the information here may be wrong; this app never confirms that anything is safe to eat. Do not consume wild plants, mushrooms or seafood without expert confirmation. Nothing here is medical advice.