Introduction

• Verpa bohemica is a mushroom that comes under the morchelleae family of kingdom fungi. It is one of the morels, which is edible. It is known as an early morel or wrinkled thimble- cap.
• The cap of this mushroom is generally small 2–4 cm in diameter and 2–5 cm long, pale yellow or brown thimble-shaped, and hanging from the top of a stem.
• These mushrooms look like a thimble over a finger and without any attachment at its basis to the stipe (1).
• Stems are longer than cap, brittle, and lighter in color, it is 12 cm long and 1 – 2.5 cm thick. Young stems are usually solid, whereas mature stems are hollow.
• The spores of Verpa bohemica mushrooms are usually about 60 – 8- by 15 – 18 μm. per ascus only spores are present.
• There is no specific taste or smell of this mushroom.
• The Verpa bohemica resembles the Morchella populiphila and Morchella punctipes.

 Classification

 Common name

Verpa bohemica is commonly known as early morel or wrinkled thimble-cap.

Synonyms

Morchella bohemica Krombh. (1828)

Ptychoverpa bohemica (krombh.) Boud. (1907)

Medicinal value

The compound present in the extraction of this mushroom shows antimicrobial activity against several microbes.

Antimicrobial and antiviral activity of Verpa bohemica

The isolated compound such as Cpd1 pentadecanoic acid, Cpd 2 Ergosterol ( Ergosta- 5,7, 22- trien–ol ) and Cpd 3 5- Hydroxymethylfurfural shows inhibitory effect against several bacteria and virus such as P. aeruginosa, P. vulgaris, S, aureus. The isolated compound shows significant inhibitory effects owing to its specific target nature against pathogens.

Anti-fungal activity of Verpa bohemica

The butanol extract of verpa bohemica shows inhibitory effects against the C. albicans and C. kruesie.

Side effects of Verpa bohemica

This mushroom is considered an edible mushroom in some regions only if consumed properly cooked. Raw or partially cooked mushrooms may cause many health issues such as gastrointestinal upset and lack of muscle coordination.

According to Beug et al. (2014), Verpa bohemica is edible for some but poisonous to many others, causing variable reactions, including severe gastrointestinal upset and a temporary lack of muscle coordination.

 Verpa bohemica vs morel

 Q&A

1. Can you eat Verpa?

This mushroom is generally considered as edible but the large consumption of this mushroom may cause several health issues such as gastrointestinal upset and lack of muscle coordination. Consumption of raw Verpa bohemica may result in mushroom poisoning, hence always cooked properly for eating.

2. Can you eat Gyromitra caroliniana?

Yes, If cooked properly Gyromitra caroliniana is an edible mushroom.

3. How do you tell the difference between fake morel and real morel?

There are several differences between real and fake morel, which are given below,

Written By: Neetu Ladiya