Verpa

Taxobox
color = lightblue
name = Verpa


image_caption = "V. conica"
regnum = Fungi
phylum = Ascomycota
classis = Ascomycetes
ordo = Pezizales
familia = Morchellaceae
genus = "Verpa"
genus_authority =

"Verpa" is a genus of ascomycete fungi related to the morels. Resembling the latter genus, they are called false or early morels.

Analysis of the ribosomal DNA of many of the Pezizales showed the genus "Verpa" to be closely related to the genus "Morchella", and also "Disciotis". Thus the three genera are now included in the family Morchellaceae. [cite journal |author=O'Donnell K, Cigelnik E, Weber NS, Trappe JM |year=1997|title=Phylogenetic relationships among ascomycetous truffles and the true and false morels inferred from 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis |journal=Mycologia |volume=89 |issue=1 |pages=48–65|doi=10.2307/3761172]

Notable species include:
*"Verpa bohemica" (early or false, morel. Edible if prepared properly. Found in North America, in early spring, April-May in dam places, under poplar.
*"Verpa conica" (bell or conic morel) Edible if properly prepared Found in North America, in orchards, in eastern Canada
*"Verpa digialiformis"

References

External links

* [http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Verpa_conica.html]
* [http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/DisplayBlock~bid~6911~gid~.asp]

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