FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Morchella esculenta
Yellow Morel
(L.) Pers.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly prized edible ascomycete fungus recognizable by its distinctive honeycomb-like cap. The fertile upper part (cap) is oval or subglobose, 5 to 10 cm high, featuring a complex network of ridges and pits that range from yellowish-brown to pale tan. The entire fruiting body, including the cap and the hollow, brittle, whitish stem, is completely hollow from top to bottom.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Ascomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Pezizomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pezizales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Morchellaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Morchella
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) Pers.
Record Completeness
62%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Decomposer
EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It thrives in moist, alkaline soils rich in calcium, frequently found in alluvial forests, riverbanks under ash, elm, and apple trees, or old calcareous orchards. It is also well-known for appearing abundantly in forest areas recently disturbed by fires or soil turnover during early spring.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Exhibits a versatile, opportunistic lifecycle. It spends decades underground as a saprotrophic mycelium decomposing organic debris, but can seamlessly shift to a facultative ectomycorrhizal partner with specific trees during stressful events like forest fires or logging.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 18.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Forms specialized, resilient underground survival structures called sclerotia. These dense aggregates of mycelium allow the fungus to remain dormant during harsh winter freezes or intense summer droughts, waiting for spring moisture to trigger fruiting.
Features a complex, deeply pitted alveolar structure on its cap that dramatically increases the surface area of the hymenium, allowing for maximum production and release of sexual spores within a short spring window.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to habitat degradation caused by the loss of riparian floodplains, removal of old ash forests due to diseases like ash dieback, and over-harvesting by commercial foragers before the spores can be dispersed.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Morchella esculenta is completely toxic if eaten raw. It contains thermolabile toxins (hemolysins) that destroy red blood cells, which are entirely broken down and rendered harmless only after thorough cooking or proper drying.
The internal composition of a true morel is a vital identification safety feature: cutting a true morel in half lengthways reveals a single, continuous, completely hollow chamber, whereas toxic 'false morels' (Gyromitra) possess a chambered or stuffed interior.