Gyromitra

/dʒaɪroʊˈmaɪtrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of poisonous fungi with brain-like, wrinkled caps that contain a toxin called gyromitrin and can cause severe illness if eaten.

Etymology

From Greek 'gyros' (spiral, coiled) + 'mitra' (a type of hat or head covering). The cap's spiral, brain-like appearance inspired the scientific name.

Kelly Says

False morels (Gyromitra) are one of nature's deadliest lookalikes—they look similar to edible true morels but contain a toxin so potent that even 'safe' cooking methods sometimes fail to eliminate it completely.

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