The genus name Gyromitra comes from two Greek words:
gyros – circle or ring (as in gyroscope)
mitra – headband or turban, later the bishop’s headdress (mitre, mitre joint)
The “false morels” were traditionally all placed in Gyromitra, including brain-shaped, saddle-shaped, and disc-shaped species. Recent molecular work has split them into several genera (Maublancomyces, Paragyromitra, Pseudorhizina, Discina, and Pseudodiscina), with Gyromitra now reserved for the toxic G. esculenta group. The Pacific Northwest has at least six species across these genera.
More on Pacific Northwest false morels on the Gyromitra & Allies page.
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