Habitat
Morchella esculenta can be found worldwide and is
considered by some to be equally distributed (Mihail et al.
2007). M. esculenta forms a habitat in forested areas.
Since it is a decomposer, it forms where something is
decomposing, commonly breaking down dead trees. As for the
United States, M. esculenta can be found almost
anywhere other than in the desert and the most southern regions
along the coastline (Rooney et al. 2011).
The Midwest,
especially around the Great Lakes region, seems to be a particular
hot spot for this organism (Yoon et al. 1990). M. esculenta
has a growing period that usually begins in mid-April to June
(Freedman 2000; Wartinbee 2009) when air temperature, ground
temperature, and moisture levels are in sync. The preferred air
temperature is usually 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime
and no less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the nighttime. Soil
temperature is ideal when the ground is around 50 to 60 degrees
Fahrenheit. M. esculenta grow best when the soil is fertile
and moist (Rooney et al 2011). This explains why they grow best in
forested regions and why they begin their season in April. Rain is
abundant around this time of year and there are plenty of food
sources for mushrooms.
M. esculenta are surrounded by many different organisms and have the opportunity to interact with them in many ways. This is explained in more depth in Interactions. Some organisms that this fungus will interact with are the ones that they are decomposing. Depending on the forest, there are many different kinds of trees that M. esculenta will break down, such as apple trees (Briggs 2010). Also, there is a broad range of animalia that live in forests that come in contact with morels. Some use it as a food source and others are preyed upon by the mushroom once it is in the process of being broken down for its nutrients (Dahlstrom et al. 2000).
To continue your journey, head to Adaptation next!
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