Description
|
This fungus comprises two parts. The upper,
globe-like section, which is white at first and turns ochre as it ages, is
initially covered in soft, pointed warts; these fall off to leave a
smooth, matt surface. Inside this rounded head the spores develop. |
Dimensions |
growing to a height of 10 to 20 cm; head diameter 4 to 10 cm; stipe diameter
usually about half the head diameter; |
Other features |
The stipes of these large puffballs expand
once the head has ruptured and released the sporesand then remain intact
throughout the winter and into the following summer. |
Stipe
|
Parallel or slightly tapering in at the base; spongy; surface soon becoming
wrinkled; initially white with pointed warts, but later turning ochre and
becoming smooth and leathery. |
Spores |
Initially the spore mass (gleba) is white,
becoming olive and then purple-brown at maturity. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. Edible only when young and
white throughout. |
Habitat |
Mycorhizal with hardwood and softwood trees
but particularly common under beech trees. |
Season |
August to November. |
Occurrence |
Frequent beneath hedges, on wasteland and in
all kinds of woods; particularly common on the edges of woodland
clearings. |
Similar species |
Lycoperdon perlatum is much smaller, has a shorter stipe, and retains
a mesh-like pattern when the warts are rubbed off the cap. |
