Gyromitra gigas
Gyromitra gigas (Krombh.) Cooke
Discina gigas (Krombh.) Eckblad
Neogyromitra gigas (Krombh.) S. Imai
Discinaceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)].
Morphology and biology. Cap brain-like, folded, tightly attached to the stipe, 5–10(20) × 5–10(15) cm, yellow-brown, then dark chestnut brown; inside composed of chambers; flesh tender, whitish. Stipe 5–10 cm high, with longitudinal wrinkles, whitish. Spores ellipsoid, 24–36 × 10–15 µm, smooth or finely verrucose. IV–V.
Habitats and populations. On the ground in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Vitosha Region (Vitosha Mt – Zlatnite Mostove), Rila Mts (E), Sredna Gora Mts (Western – Mt Lozenska).
General distribution. Europe, North America.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by stockbreeding, wood plantations, logging, urbanization, tourism; soil pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Several localities are situated within the borders of Rila National Park and Vitosha Nature Park. Some localities are in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Hinkova 1954, 1955a, 1958a; Alexandrov 1970; Hinkova, Alexandrov 1971.
Authors: Roumyana D. Petrova & Cvetomir M. Denchev
