Helvella fibrosa

Morphological Features:

Pileus usually cup-shaped, although it tends to flatten as the specimen ages. The typical diameter of the cup is 2 to 3 cm, and its lower surface is covered with a visible pubescence, although it appears furfuraceous. Its color ranges from gray to grayish-brown.

Hymenium lining the interior of the cup, smooth and lacking the pubescence of the exterior surface, with a more grayish-brown color.

Stipe cream or dirty white in color, generally smooth, although sometimes weakly grooved. Usually cylindrical and solid, not hollow. Approximately 5 cm tall.

Flesh scanty, almost nonexistent, somewhat elastic but fragile, with no notable odor or taste.

Habitat:

A rare and uncommon species that fruits at the edges of paths, generally in areas lacking vegetation. It can be found from spring through late autumn.

Observations:

Macroscopically very similar to Helvella macropus, it can be distinguished without microscopic assistance by its darker and more pilose pileus, and because the stipe is not concolorous with the pileus. In shape, it also resembles Helvella cupuliformis, which exhibits ochre tones throughout the entire fruitbody.