Verpa conica

FRUIT BODY: Up to 14cm tall. An odd little fungus with a bell-shaped cap that is only centrally attached to the creamy white stem. The fertile cap is uneven and dark to pale brown in colour with network of darker lines. The stem is slightly thicker towards the base. GILLS/PORES: N/A. FLESH: Thin, brittle and loosely stuffed with no distinctive taste or smell. SPORES: Hyaline, smooth and elliptical. HABITAT: On well drained soil with hawthorn and other shrubs. SEASON: Infrequent. Spring. EDIBILITY: Edible but care must be taken.