Taxonomy -

• Domain - Eukarya
• Kingdom - Fungi
• Phylum - Ascomycota
• Class - Pezizomycetes
• Order - Pezizales
• Family - Morchellaceae
• Genus - Morchella
• Species - Esculenta

Description / Morphology -

Morchella esculenta vary in size and shape. They generally average to be 10 to 15 cm high but often larger.  comprising a stalk and fertile upper part or cap. The stem is stout and enlarged towards the base, and the cap is well known for its wrinkled, holey look.  

Distribution / Ecology -

Morchella are more commonly found in forest areas in North America. Morchella species have symbiotic mycorrizal relationships. In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus colonizes the host plant's roots, which plays a critical role in plant growth because it enables the plant to absorb more water.

Growth / Reproduction -

The reproduction of the morchella is sexual, but the spores that contain the reproductive cells must come into contact with eachother to reproduce. For a spore to survive and grow into a new mushroom, it must land in an environment that is appropriate for mushroom cultivation. The soil should be damp and moist.  After landing in such an environment, the spore will grow hair-like filaments (hyphae). From the hyphae, the mushroom's mycelium will grow. From the mycelium, a stalk or stem will grow, and then the cap.  

Human Uses -

Morchella esculentas are prized in the culinary world. This fungi is considered on of the best of the edible fungi, and also one of the few larger fungi that appears in the spring.

References -

http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Morchella-esculenta.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4672155_mushrooms-reproduce.html