Otidea leporina

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by Michael Kuo

"Otidea leporina" is interpreted somewhat differently by mushroom authors, but most descriptions agree that it is a pale brownish or yellowish brown species that often takes on the appearance of rabbit ears emerging from the ground; the mushrooms stand more or less erect, with the edges folded inward along a central, vertical axis. Microscopic features (see below) help separate Otidea leporina from look-alikes.

The illustrated collection, from California, represents Otidea leporina var. minor, which has smaller spores than the typical variety but is otherwise indistinguishable.

Otidea leporina may contain the same toxins found in false morels (see Mushroom Toxins); it should not be eaten.

Description:

Ecology: Saprobic, growing terrestrially in woods under hardwoods or conifers; often clustered, but occasionally growing alone or scattered; summer and fall (winter and spring in warmer areas); widely distributed in North America.

Fruiting Body: Rabbit-ear-shaped, spoon-shaped, or more or less cup-shaped, with a cleft down one side; up to 7 cm high and 4 cm across; inner surface pale brownish to yellowish brown; outer surface similarly colored or paler, very finely hairy; stem if present whitish, small, and rudimentary; odor not distinctive or fragrant; flesh brittle.

Microscopic Features: Spores 12-14 x 6-8 µ (8-11 x 5-6 in var. minor); smooth; elliptical; with two oil droplets. Asci eight-spored; up to 170 x 12 µ. Paraphyses narrow, with hooked or curved ends (see illustration).

REFERENCES: (Batsch, 1783) Fuckel, 1869/70. (Kanouse, 1949; Larsen, 1980/2003; Smith, Smith & Weber, 1981; States, 1990; Lincoff, 1992; Barron, 1999.) Herb. Kuo 01120602.

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Cite this page as:

Kuo, M. (2006, April). Otidea leporina. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/otidea_leporina.html.