Helvella Lacunosa

Day 30: The Latin word "lacuna" can be translated as "pond," "gap," "hole" or any number of synonyms implying an empty space. It gives us the English word "lagoon," and in literature, it refers to a missing portion (intentional or accidental) in a manuscript or poem. In the case of Helvella lacunosa, the modifier refers to the physical structure of the mushroom. As in poetry, these lacunae lend to the overall beauty and, at least in my opinion, this Helvella is one of the prettiest in the genus. We found half a dozen or more during the Nisqually Land Trust's mushroom walk near Yelm, nearly hidden by a fall of autumn leaves. Sometimes called "false Morels," the group known as "Elfin Saddles" are not considered edible. A few fruit in the spring, but most are cool-weather species and erupt after the first few chilly nights of autumn.