known commonly false big red fungus genus group fungi found hardwood forests southeastern united_states fruits early spring soon collected eaten suggestion contain toxic compound like poisonous relative false reason usually recommended consumption fruit body appears ground woodland grow massive sizes heavily cap red brown color nearly spherical roughly elliptical shape typically measures tall wide stipe massive thick white felt like surface flesh densely packed cap convoluted form internal taxonomy species originally named french botanist later sanctioned transferred type species subgenus genus grouping comprises species maturity network ridges surface multiple blunt spines originate spores species subgenus include central european species believed spore sufficiently unique worthy designation separate genus described contain disagreed later placing review genus authors original species description ambiguous leaving room interpretation suggest reports species occurring europe referred point mycologist considered description advocated abandonment specific epithet early 1970s taxon selected based specimens collected virginia specific epithet refers carolinas collected scientifically common names include brown false false big red particularly missouri arkansas river red description cap roughly spherical elliptical features folded surface somewhat resembles surface brain areas symmetrical pits ribs arranged vertically cap margin close stipe color reddish reddish brown darker specimens reverse whitish fruit bodies typically grow larger reported specimen grown height usual height range underside whitish readily visible stipe short stout typically long wide larger usually base pure white young felt like surface age handling upper portion stipe usually branched branches hidden cap whitish flesh forms chambers densely packed stipe cap forming branches points attachment spores narrowly elliptical hyaline translucent sharply pointed tip measuring spores usually large oil smaller ones initially smooth spore surface coarse developing small use scanning electron revealed short spore originate extensions spore bearing cells wide guides indicate species edible suitable preparation boiling generally recommended consumption risk confusion toxic species contain compound boiled water body compound readily toxic compound rocket similar species similar appearance overlapping geographical range distinctly lacks ribs cross ribs consequently usually found exposed contrast lacks tightly attached cap hide block like square appearance yellowish brown reddish brown cap surface fewer european species resembles north american common widespread loosely irregularly shaped cap shorter spores measuring habitat distribution fungus fruits singly loose groups ground hardwood trees rich common habitats include near stumps dead wood particularly oak river bottoms southern states appear early march typically fruits april species indicator signalling start season species officially considered saprobic exhibit mycorrhizal tendencies integrate ecological lifestyles life cycle range includes oklahoma carolinas north great lakes reported fungus austria claimed previously young forms recent revision disputes claims saying reports europe confusion fruit bodies develop slowly specimens left late season grow pounds cited literature systematic revision occurrence northern northwestern north_america
Gyromitra caroliniana