Ascomycetes | Basidiomycetes | Classifications | Fruit Body Structure | Slime Molds
Helvellaceae
Mushrooms in this family have caps and stalks except for a few.
Group: Helvella (Elfin Saddles)
This group can vary in size. Mostly a stalk is present but sometime rudimentary and veined or almost ribbed like.
Helvella Leucomelaena (White Footed Elfin
Cup) 
Found from Christmas through to July, 2000 at Te Mata Trust Park and
Keirunga Gardens in Havelock North. Growing from ground but it always seemed
to be growing on the side of the track where the hill was cut to make room
for the walk way.
Cup shaped fruiting body about 1.5-4 cm in diameter. Gray in colour with
patches of white in some places, but especially the stem which is always
white hence the name 'White footed Elfin Cup'.
The surface of the body is smooth except for the stem
which is somewhat ribbed or
densely veined.
Stem is about 2-4mm thick and high.
Mature specimens of this species become flat rather than the cup shape, but
I can't find literature to support this yet.
Edibility: Unknown.
WARNING
Different people react differently to different mushrooms.
NEVER eat a wild mushroom without being 100% sure it is safe to do so.
Best Gourmet Mushrooms in New Zealand
Last Update
3 Feb 2007