This research provides the first detailed genetic blueprint of the yellow morel mushroom Morchella crassipes, a highly valued edible fungus. The study revealed unique features of its genetic makeup, including the largest mitochondrial genome ever found in fungi. This breakthrough has important implications for understanding and potentially cultivating these valuable mushrooms. Impacts on everyday life: • Could help develop better cultivation methods for morel mushrooms, making them more available and affordable • Provides insights that might lead to improved breeding of morel varieties • Helps understand why certain morels grow where they do, aiding foragers and cultivators • Could contribute to conservation efforts for wild morel populations • May lead to better understanding of fungal evolution and adaptation