Extract from Wikipedia article: Helvella lacunosa, known as the slate grey saddle or fluted black elfin saddle in North America, simply as the elfin saddle in Britain, is an ascomycete fungus of the family Helvellaceae. It is probably the most common species in the genus Helvella. The mushroom is readily identified by its irregularly shaped grey cap, fluted stem, and fuzzy undersurfaces. It is found in Eastern North America and in Europe, near deciduous and coniferous trees in summer and autumn.
Helvella lacunosa is a species of fungus in the family Helvellaceae, characterized by its irregularly shaped cap, typically 2-6 cm in diameter, with a wavy or lobed margin, and a stalk that is often compressed or wrinkled. In East and Central Texas, it can be found growing in association with oak trees, particularly in wooded areas with rich soil, during the spring and fall months. The fungus produces ascospores that are white to cream-colored, elliptical in shape, and measure 18-22 x 10-12 µm. It is considered a relatively rare species in the region, but can be abundant in certain areas with suitable habitat.
Black elfin saddle mushroom Helvella lacunosa from side of Road FS 203 covered bt gravel near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023 FS 203, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Side view of black elfin saddle mushroom Helvella lacunosa on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023 FS 203, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Side view of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023 FS 203, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Close-up of black elfin saddle mushroom Helvella lacunosa on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023 FS 203, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Stem of black elfin saddle mushroom Helvella lacunosa on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023 FS 203, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Side view of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa on pine needles on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023 FS 203, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Side view of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa on black background on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023
Cross section of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa on Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, February 18, 2023
Interior tissue (in Congo Red, low magnification) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Interior tissue (in Congo Red) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Asci and paraphyses from grey exterior (in Congo Red) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Asci and paraphyses (in Melzer) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Asci and paraphyses (in Congo Red, low magnification) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Asci and paraphyses (in Congo Red) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Paraphyses (in Congo Red) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Asci with spores (in Congo Red) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel side of FS203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, February 18, 2023
Spores (in lugol) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel covered by leaves and needles on a side of Forest Service Road 203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest a day before. Texas, February 19, 2023 Spore size 14.3 - 16.8 × 10.1 - 12.09 µm, length to width ratio Q = 1.4 - 1.49.
Spores (in KOH solution) of Ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa from gravel covered by leaves and needles on a side of Forest Service Road 203, collected in Sam Houston National Forest a day before. Texas, February 19, 2023 Spore size 13.6 - 14.6 × 9.42 - 10.9 µm, length to width ratio Q = 1.3 - 1.48.
AI-generated summary of observations
Helvella lacunosa was observed growing near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, East and Central Texas. The fungus was found on the side of Road FS 203, which is covered with gravel, pine needles, and leaves. Observations were made on February 18 and 19, 2023. The mushroom's appearance was documented from various angles, including side views and close-ups, showcasing its distinctive saddle-like shape and black color. Microscopic examinations revealed the fungus's internal structure, including asci, paraphyses, and spores, which were stained with Congo Red, Melzer, and lugol to enhance visibility. The observations provide a detailed record of Helvella lacunosa's morphology and anatomy in its natural habitat in East and Central Texas.