What is "verpa"

Verpa is a genus of ascomycete fungi related to the morels. Resembling the latter genus, they are called false or early morels. There are five species in the widespread genus.

Verpa comes from the Latin for erection or little rod.

Analysis of the ribosomal DNA of many of the Pezizales showed the genus Verpa to be closely related to the genus Morchella, and also Disciotis. Thus the three genera are now included in the family Morchellaceae.