Whats the difference between Morel and False Morel?

Morchella esculenta or  Morchella vulgaris

This is a picture of a Morel. You can tell because of its distinctive cap which looks a little like a brain. Usually they are lighter in colour this one seems a little dark and the cap is a bit oddly shaped, they are usually more conical (like the black morel).

Common Morel

Above is more typical specimen with a lighter colour cap and more distinctive honeycomb ridge folds. They often have hollow insides when cut vertically and the stem stops at the beginning of the cap. Most true morels have taller caps than the stem. One thing is for sure though is that these is a Morels are not the poisonous False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta) which is darker red/brown with twisted lobes in an irregular ‘brain-like’ shape. It is found mainly with conifers at the same time of year, particularly favouring sandy soil.

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False Morel

This is a picture of a False Morel. It is poisonous so avoid. The differential characteristics are:

1. Mottled, ugly, distorted cap with no ridges.
2. Looks more like a brain - more rounded and wider.
3. Darker orange / brown colouration. 
4. Solid inside, often quite heavy.
5. The stem inside goes all the way to the top of the cap.

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