Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
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Purple-spored Puffball

Calvatia cyathiformis

Life > Fungi > Basidiomycota > Agaricomycotina > Agaricomycetes > Agaricomycetidae > Agaricales > Lycoperdaceae > Calvatia


Description

The Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis) is a grassland decomposer that can be found in summer through fall. It is a common mushroom widely distributed across the globe. It can be found alone, in groups, or in fairy rings.

Calvatia cyathiformis is generally pear-shaped to loaf-shaped. The exterior can be colored white to tan to brown and develops a "mud-cracked" pattern after being exposed to the sun. The interior begins white when young, transitioning to a purplish color towards the top and olive at the base when mature.


Observations

August 3rd, 2023 Indian Cave State Park
Purple-spored Puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)

#279

  • Growing gregariously in recently hayed grassland field.
  • Fruiting body skull-shaped, with subtle cracking texture on top.
  • Outer layer easily peelable.
  • White interrior.
  • Smell: not distinctive.
  • Taste: not distinctive.
  • KOH: slightly yellow on pseudostipe.

References

Kuo, M. (2016, September). Calvatia cyathiformis. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/calvatia_cyathiformis.html

Morales, M.I.; Kimbrough, J.W. 1978. Lycoperdaceae of North Central Florida. I. The genera Calvatia and Disciseda. Revista de Biologia Tropical. 26:227-236

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