Gyromitra infula

An ascomycete bearing close macroscopic resemblance to species of Helvella, within which it was formerly classified. Although literature mentions fruiting in both spring and autumn, personal field observations consistently record it exclusively at the end of the year, in contrast to strictly vernal congeners.

Typically found in coniferous forests, developing on deeply decayed wood or directly on rotten stumps, though superficially appearing terrestrial.

Photographs for the microscopic analysis correspond to a collection gathered in November in a recently felled pine plantation where they occurred in large troops in Zigoitia (Álava). Additional photographs illustrate collections from Espot (Lleida) in an Abies alba forest in October, Nabazkoze (Navarra) on a rotting fir log in November, and Orduña (Bizkaia) in a Pinus radiata plantation in November.