Lycoperdon echinatum, the Spiny Puffball, has a
small, globe-shaped head on a very short stipe. The soft reddish-brown
spines are in groups of threes. Beech forests are its habitat.
Description |
A vertically-flattened globe-shaped fruit body
on a short, infertile stem; initially white, soon becoming reddish brown.
The soft spines are in sets of three or four that converge at the tips.
At maturity the spines fall off leaving a net-like pattern on the
browning skin, which eventually ruptures at the apex to release the
spores. |
Dimensions |
Typically 2.5 to 5cm across; 3 to 7cm tall; spines typically 4 to 5 mm long. |
Other features |
Unlike many of the other puffballs, this is an
inedible fungus. |
Stipe |
None. |
Spores |
Purple-brown. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
Mainly found in beech forests in chalk and
limestone areas. |
Season |
July to November. |
Occurrence |
Uncommon in most areas. |
Similar species |
- Lycoperdon perlatum is paler and covered in warts rather than
spines.
- Lycoperdon mammiforme is white at first and then its surface
breaks up into large cream scales rather than spines.
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