elfin saddle meaning: definition, quotations

elfin saddle

noun

Any of certain ascomycetous fungi of genus Helvella with an irregular cap resembling a saddle, especially Helvella crispa or Helvella lacunosa.

Here too are the false morels (genus Gyromitra) and elfin saddles (genus Helvella), which are generally regarded — or suspected — to be poisonous when consumed, especially if eaten raw.2003, William C. Roody, Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians, page 477:

Any member of species Gyromitra infula of ascomycetes, which similarly resemble a saddle.

[…]since the Bohemian morel can be confused with the toxic elfin saddle (Gyromitra infula) or other undesirable fungi.1980, The University of Washington Arboretum Bulletin, volumes 43-45, page 39:
2005, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station (Portland, Oregon), Research Note PNW-RN-546, page 7, Of the several species of Gyromitra that might be encountered in Alaska, two are especially important for morel hunters to learn: Gyromitra esculenta ssp. lato, the beefsteak false morel, and G. infula ssp. lato, the elfin saddle.

Derived terms: fluted white elfin saddle, fluted black elfin saddle, brown elfin saddle
Related terms: dryad's saddle, false morel, morel