Emma Wilson
Mushrooms that are round in shape are commonly known as puffballs. They are characterised by their round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies that release spores through an opening at the top. The giant puffball, also known as Calvatia gigantea, is a common variety found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. It is edible when young and white, but can cause digestive issues if consumed when mature, as indicated by greenish-brown flesh. Puffballs have been traditionally used as wound dressings and have styptic properties. Another variety of puffball mushrooms is the stump puffball, or Lycoperdon pyriforme, which grows on decaying tree stumps in large clusters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genus | Lycoperdon, Calvatia, Bovista |
| Common Name | Puffballs |
| Shape | Round, ball-shaped, oblong |
| Size | Few centimetres to over a meter in diameter |
| Colour | White, buff, greenish-yellow, olive-brown, chocolate brown |
| Flesh Colour | White, greenish-brown |
| Spores | Yellowish, 3-6 μm in size |
| Spore Print | White when young, olive with an unpleasant smell when old |
| Habitat | Grasslands, forests, disturbed areas, deciduous forests, meadows, fields |
| Uses | Wound dressing |
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What You'll Learn
- Giant puffballs are edible when young, but can cause digestive issues when mature
- Lycoperdon pyriforme, or stump puffballs, grow on decaying tree stumps
- Puffballs have been used as wound dressing, in powdered form or as slices
- Giant puffballs are widespread and common in the UK and North America
- Puffballs are characterised by their round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies
Giant puffballs are edible when young, but can cause digestive issues when mature
Giant puffballs (Calvatia gigantea) are large, round mushrooms commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. They are characterised by their round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies, which can range from a few centimetres to over a metre in diameter. The interior of an immature puffball is white, while that of a mature specimen is greenish-brown. The outer skin of a giant puffball is thick and white, eventually cracking to reveal a smooth, light brown surface, resulting in a patchy or scaly appearance.
Giant puffballs are edible when young and pure white on the inside. However, as they mature, they can cause digestive issues. The spores of a mature giant puffball are yellowish or greenish-brown, and consuming them may lead to gastrointestinal distress. Some people experience a laxative effect from eating this species. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when consuming giant puffballs, ensuring that they are still in their immature stage.
The giant puffball mushroom has a variety of uses beyond edibility. Historically, it has been used as a styptic, or wound dressing, by various cultures, including American Indians, Nigerians, and Germans. The mushroom can be powdered or sliced to a thickness of about 3 cm for this purpose. Additionally, the giant puffball is often foraged for recreational purposes, as its large, round shape invites kicking or other forms of playful interaction.
Identifying giant puffballs can be challenging, especially for beginners. They resemble the poisonous earthball (Scleroderma citrinum), which has a firmer, elastic fruiting body and a distinct dark purplish-black interior with white reticulation during early development. Immature gilled mushrooms, some of which are poisonous or deadly, can also appear similar to puffballs. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and have adequate knowledge before consuming any wild mushroom.
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Lycoperdon pyriforme, or stump puffballs, grow on decaying tree stumps
Stump puffballs, or Lycoperdon pyriforme, are a type of fungus that grows on decaying tree stumps and branches. They are commonly found in woodlands, particularly on dead wood, logs, and stumps of broadleaf trees, but they can also be found on pines and spruce. These fungi are easily identified by their pear-shaped or pestle-shaped fruit bodies, which can grow up to 6 cm tall and 3 cm wide. They typically grow in large, dense clumps and are edible when young and white throughout, but they become inedible as they mature and turn darker in colour.
Stump puffballs are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. They are one of the most gregarious of all fungi and can often be found in huge numbers, creating impressive vistas in woodlands. While they are not highly sought-after due to their mediocre taste, they can still make a nice meal if prepared and cooked properly. However, caution should be exercised when consuming stump puffballs, as their spores can cause a rare respiratory disease called lycoperdonosis if inhaled in large amounts. Symptoms of lycoperdonosis include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
The stump puffball was first described in scientific literature by Jacob Christian Schaeffer in 1774. For a long time, it was classified under the genus Lycoperdon, which literally translates to "wolf's flatulence". However, in 2001, DNA evidence suggested that Lycoperdon was polyphyletic, and the stump puffball was distinct enough to warrant its own genus. As a result, it was transferred to the genus Apioperdon in 2017, becoming the only species in that genus.
Stump puffballs are similar in appearance to the common puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum) and the poisonous common earthball (Scleroderma citrinum). It is important to be able to distinguish between these species if one plans on gathering edible puffballs for consumption. The common puffball, for example, is edible when immature and white on the inside, but it grows on rotten wood rather than on stumps like the stump puffball.
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Puffballs have been used as wound dressing, in powdered form or as slices
Puffballs, scientifically known as Calvatia gigantea, are large white mushrooms commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. They are widespread in the United Kingdom and North America, except for the southeast region of the United States. Puffballs are known for their versatility and are often used in cooking, ranging from casseroles to fried dishes.
Puffballs have a unique life cycle and medicinal properties. The interior of an immature puffball is white, while a mature specimen has greenish-brown flesh, indicating the presence of spores. These spores have antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, effectively fighting various infections.
Puffballs have been traditionally used as a styptic, a substance that controls bleeding. They have a long history of being utilised as wound dressings, either in powdered form or as slices approximately 3 cm thick. This practice has been recorded among American Indians, Nigerians, and Germans, showcasing a global recognition of puffballs' medicinal benefits.
When it comes to culinary applications, puffballs are considered safe to consume when young and exhibit white flesh. However, as the spores begin to form, they can cause digestive issues. An overripe puffball will easily fall apart and should be discarded.
Puffballs are prized by wild food foragers for their size and edibility. They are easy to identify and, unlike most mushrooms, develop all their spores inside the fruiting body. This distinct characteristic makes them a unique and fascinating species within the vast world of fungi.
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Giant puffballs are widespread and common in the UK and North America
Giant puffballs, or Calvatia gigantea, are large white mushrooms commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests worldwide, usually in late summer and autumn. They are widespread and common in the UK and North America (except the southeast United States) and are considered edible when young. However, they can cause digestive issues if consumed when mature, as indicated by their yellowish or greenish-brown flesh.
Giant puffballs are easily identifiable by their size, with most specimens growing to be 10 to 70 centimetres in diameter, and their white spore print when young, which turns olive with an unpleasant smell as they age. They are known for their rapid growth, producing up to seven quintillion spores. This abundance of spores has led to various traditional uses, such as wound dressing by American Indians, Nigerians, and Germans, either in powdered form or as slices.
The classification of giant puffballs has been revised over the years. While they were once placed in the class Gasteromycetes, they are now primarily classified as Calvatia, although some authors suggest they belong to the order Agaricales, along with other members of the genus Calvatia. The giant puffball has also been associated with the genera Lycoperdon and Langermannia in the past.
In terms of conservation, giant puffballs are not considered a concern in the UK. However, they are protected in parts of Poland and are considered rare in Lithuania and of conservation interest in Norway. While giant puffballs are widespread in the UK and North America, they are just one of many types of round mushrooms that can be found in these regions.
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Puffballs are characterised by their round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies
Mushrooms with round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies are commonly known as puffballs. They are characterised by their round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies that release spores through an opening at the top. The interior of an immature puffball is white, while that of a mature specimen is greenish-brown. The giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) is the most well-known variety, commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. It is widespread and common in the United Kingdom and North America, except for the southeast region of the United States.
The stump puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme) is another variety that grows on dead or decaying tree stumps in large clusters. In the fall and early winter, they transform into hollow, spore-filled air sacs, releasing millions of tiny spores that explode out of a small hole in the mushroom top.
Puffballs have been used for various purposes throughout history. They are known styptics and have been used as wound dressings, either in powdered form or as slices.
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Frequently asked questions
The giant puffball mushroom, or Calvatia gigantea, is a large, white mushroom commonly found in meadows, fields, and forests in late summer and autumn.
Giant puffballs are round or spherical in shape, with a thick, white outer skin that eventually cracks to reveal a light brown surface, giving it a patchy or scaly appearance.
Yes, giant puffballs are edible when young and the interior is pure white. However, as the mushroom matures and the flesh turns yellowish or greenish-brown, it can cause digestive issues and should be avoided.
Giant puffballs have long been used as a styptic, or wound dressing, by various cultures around the world. They can be powdered or sliced to help stop bleeding and treat wounds.
Giant puffballs are found in temperate areas worldwide, particularly in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests. They are widespread and common in the United Kingdom and North America during late summer and autumn.
