Paddling into the BWCA 48°19'23'' longitude off the Gunflint Trail for a fishing trip provides more than just fish. Stepping out of the canoe and into our campsite I immediately looked down to the ground for various plant life. Within a few minutes I spotted a Gyromitra esculenta under a small white pine. Wait! There was more than one. Several were in the area. This took me by surprise. For some reason, I do not associate the BWCA with morels, Verpa, and or Gyromitra. Why should I be surprised? All the pine trees creates a perfect environment for Gyromitra.

Except for moisture off the lake, the air was very dry. The high sun, clear skies, along with minimal winds made every day a scorcher. Four days later another Gyromitra esculenta popped up under the same little pine tree. The desire of the mycelium to produce a fruiting body is so strong, it can occur in conditions we humans would consider harsh.

Remember, this species contains monmethylhydrazine, a chemical found in rocket fuel.

Glen Creuziger
icecap@backpacker.com

Editor’s note: Kudos to Glen Creuziger for contributing this article.