What is "elfin saddle"

n. 1 Any of certain ascomycetous fungus of genus ''Helvella'' with an irregular cap resembling a saddle, especially (taxlink Helvella crispa species) or (taxlink Helvella lacunosa species). 2 The ascomycete ''Gyromitra infula'', which similarly resembles a saddle.

The common name elfin saddle is given to a number of Ascomycete fungi in the order Pezizales. These medium to small fungi often have irregular saddle-shaped caps. Species include:

• Gyromitra infula (elfin saddle)
• Helvella lacunosa (fluted black elfin saddle)
• Helvella elastica (brown elfin saddle)
• Helvella crispa (elfin saddle)