Morchella semilibera
Species of fungus
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Through Fungus and Binomial nomenclature
Taxonomy
DNA analysis has shown that the half-free morels, which appear nearly identical on a macroscopic scale, are a cryptic species complex, consisting of at least three geographically isolated species. Because de Candolle originally described the species based on specimens from Europe, the scientific name M. semilibera should be restricted to the European species. In 2012, Morchella populiphila was described from western North America, while Peck's 1903 species name Morchella punctipes was reaffirmed for eastern North American half-free morels. M. semilibera and the other half-free morels are closely related to the black morels (M. elata and others).
A proposal has been made to conserve the name Morchella semilibera against several earlier synonyms, including Phallus crassipes, P. gigas and P. undosus. These names, sanctioned by Elias Magnus Fries, have since been shown to be the same species as M. semilibera.
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Description
The cap grows up to 5 centimetres (2 in) tall and wide, round at first and then conical. The ridges are vertical and slightly darker than the pits, blackish when dry. The underside is whitish and the flesh thin. The buff stalk is up to 10 cm long and 2.5 cm thick.
The spores are elliptical and smooth.
In age, when the head is smaller compared to the stalk, it can resemble Verpa species.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to Europe and Asia. It grows individually or in groups in wooded areas.
Uses
The species is edible, but is fragile and not very flavorful.