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410 GROWTH PARAMETERS
Figure 367. Portrayal of the archetypal Black Morel,
Morchella angusticeps complex.
Figure 368. The unique
alroto,netiti?Sa.
These two specimens were collected from a burnsite
in Kamllche Pt., Washington, in the spring of 1988.
Note the coat of fine hairs.
Description: A honey-combed, ribbed species with black edges, the cap is typically conical shaped,
measuring 2-6 cm. wide x 2-8 cm. high. Stem white, hollow, with a granular texture, measuring 5-12
cm. long by 2-4 cm. thick. White mycelium is attached to the base of the stem.
Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world.
Natural Habitat: Common in the spring in a variety of habitats, particularly in sandy soils of mixed
woods along rivers, in burned areas (1-2 years after burning), and less frequently in conifer forests.
On the west coast of North America, this mushroom is commonly found in newly laid wood chips
("beauty bark"). In the Pacific Northwest, Black Morels are also found directly underneath cottonwoods
and neglected apple trees. David Arora notes that along coastal California, Morels can be
found throughout the year, although they are more frequent in the spring. (Arora, 1986.). In general,
fall fruitings are rare and unpredictable. In Colorado's Front Range, just outside of Denver, Morels
are a spring mushroom, but in the mountains around Telluride, Black Morels can be occasionally
found in August, under spruce.
Microscopic Features: Spores light creamy brown, 24-28 x 12-14 p, ellipsoid and smooth, forming
8 at a time in sac-like cells called asci.
Mycelia typically multinucleate, with frequent side branching
at maturity, clustering and swelling into micro-sclerotia which conglomerate into larger forms.
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