Elfin saddle

Description:

The dark reddish-brown caps of the fruit bodies develop a characteristic saddle-shape in maturity, and the ends of both saddle lobes are drawn out to sharp tips that project above the level of the fruit body.

Habitat:

This fungus can be found growing singly to scattered in or near coniferous woodland in autumn, often on rotten wood.

Notes:

G. infula is considered inedible as it contains the toxic compound gyromitrin, which, when metabolized by the body, is converted into monomethylhydrazine, a component of some rocket fuels.