Gyromitra

Gyromitra (/ˌdʒaɪroʊˈmaɪtrə, ˌdʒɪrə-/[1]) is a genus of about 18 species of ascomycete fungi.[2] They are a false morel - a frequently toxic mushroom that can be mistaken for edible mushrooms of the genus Morchella (morels).

Gyromitra
Gyromitra esculenta
Gyromitra esculenta
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Pezizomycetes
Order: Pezizales
Family: Discinaceae
Genus: Gyromitra
Fr. (1849)
Type species
Gyromitra esculenta
(Pers.) Fr. (1849)
Species

See text

Taxonomy

The name Gyromitra comes from gyro meaning convoluted and mitra meaning turban.

Analysis of the ribosomal DNA of many of the Pezizales showed the genus Gyromitra to be most closely related to the genus Discina, and also Pseudorhizina, Hydnotrya, and only distantly related to Helvella. Thus the four genera are now included in the family Discinaceae.[3][4]

Species

The genus consists of the following species:

Toxicity

Some types of Gyromitra are highly poisonous when raw due to the presence of gyromitrin, although some species are edible when cooked and Gyromitra are sought after in Scandinavian countries. Widespread hemolysis has been reported from ingestion which can result in kidney failure. Methemoglobinemia has also been seen, although it is typically responsive to treatment with methylene blue. Seizures can also develop via inhibition of the neurotransmitter GABA.[5]

References
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Wikispecies has information related to Gyromitra.
  1. "Gyromitra". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
  2. Kirk PM, Cannon PF, Minter DW, Stalpers JA (2008). Dictionary of the Fungi (10th ed.). Wallingford, UK: CAB International. p. 299. ISBN 978-0-85199-826-8.
  3. O'Donnell K, Cigelnik E, Weber NS, Trappe JM (1997). "Phylogenetic relationships among ascomycetous truffles and the true and false morels inferred from 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis". Mycologia. 89 (1): 48–65. doi:10.2307/3761172. JSTOR 3761172.
  4. Hansen K, Pfister DH (2006). "Systematics of the Pezizomycetes—the operculate discomycetes". Mycologia. 98 (6): 1029–1040. doi:10.3852/mycologia.98.6.1029. PMID 17486978. S2CID 20890635.
  5. Brozen, R. "Mushroom Toxicity - Gyromitra Toxin." Emedicine.com, Last updated: 2/29/08.
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