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saddle fungus
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A single elfin saddle fungus (Paragyromitra infula) with a dark brown, irregularly shaped cap grows from mossy forest floor debris in autumn.
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saddle fungus

Also known as: Helvella infula
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A single elfin saddle fungus (Paragyromitra infula) with a dark brown, irregularly shaped cap grows from mossy forest floor debris in autumn.
Saddle fungus Saddle fungi (Paragyromitra infula) are members of the phylum Ascomycota.

A saddle fungus is a fungus belonging to the genus Helvella. These fungi are characterized by their distinctive saddle-shaped fruiting bodies. Helvella species are part of the larger group known as cup fungi, which fall under the order Pezizales within the phylum Ascomycota. While some Helvella species, like Helvella infula, have saddle-shaped caps and can be found on decaying wood or soil, caution is advised as they can be poisonous to some individuals. The classification of fungi is complex, with the kingdom divided into multiple phyla, classes, and orders based on distinguishing taxonomic features.123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. saddle fungus
  2. fungus - Distinguishing taxonomic features
  3. cup fungus

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