Paxina queletii

Morphological Features:

Pileus which from emergence appears cupuliform and laterally compressed, may flatten somewhat with age but always retains uplifted margins. At maturity, it may reach approximately 5 cm in diameter. The external surface is brown, paler near the stipe, and covered with a very fine, felt-like indumentum, particularly towards the margin.

Hymenium smooth and dark brown, formed by the inner surface of the pileus.

Stipe fairly cylindrical and elongate, reaching up to 5 cm in height in mature individuals. Deeply longitudinally sulcate, though typically not highly furrowed; hollow. Whitish to pale ochre in color.

Flesh brittle and easily fractured, fragile, somewhat more elastic in the stipe, with a notably aromatic odor and a mild taste.

Habitat:

A very rare and difficult-to-locate spring species, typically found along riverbanks in sandy areas beneath broadleaf trees or riparian vegetation. The photographed specimens were collected in a flood-prone, sandy area adjacent to the Ibaizabal River in Galdakao (Spain) in April 2009.

Observations:

Edibility doubtful; likely toxic when raw, as are its congeners. May resemble Helvella acetabulum, which possesses a much shorter stipe and prominent ribs that extend considerably onto the pileus, as well as other Helvellas.