Deadly false morel fungus is discovered living on Hampstead Heath

Published: 31st March, 2011
by DAN CARRIER

A DEADLY fungus that has never been found in London has been ­discovered growing on Hampstead Heath.

Known as a false morel – or gyromitra esculenta – the dark brown, human brain-shaped growth is ­potentially deadly if ­eaten raw, and can even kill once cooked.

The fungus, which thrives in sandy soils near pine trees, was ­discovered by Heath rangers. They have revealed to the New Journal where it can be found – but to prevent walkers looking for it, we have agreed to keep its location secret.

Tree expert David Humphries said the false morel, which kills scores of people in eastern Europe where it is common, has a trick up its stalk: it looks very similar to an edible fungus called the common morel.

He added: “The common morel is highly prized, and in places this similar looking fungus grows, there is a high mortality rate.”

Just as the Japanese pride themselves on preparing and eating deadly poisonous Fugu fish, people living in eastern and northern  Europe have developed a way of cooking the false morel. The toxins leach out into water used to boil it up and are then discarded – but often the preparation does not work and causes a deadly dinner. It can also be found in the Pyrenees – the Spanish government have banned its sale.

Mr Humphries said: “It could be that it has been growing here for sometime. It is a small patch and may have been overlooked. We have the right conditions on the Heath but no one have ever been recorded in London before – it is exceptionally rare.”

And Mr Humphries said more and more mushrooms and fungi were thriving there.

He added: “For a heavily used urban space it is really quite incredible.

“We have helped habitats by leaving dead wood in places to encourage bugs, which in turn help the Heath's bird life. 

“This also encourages fungus – which helps invertebrates and other creatures.”