Scleroderma citrinum, the Common Earthball, is a
poisonous fungus similar in appearance to a warty potato. Acid soils,
especially on the paths in forests, are its main habitat.
Description
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The rounded fruitbody is attached to the
ground by white mycelial threads, visible in this picture. The thick skin
of the earthball is initially white, cream or yellow and may turn
ochre-brown or green as it ages; it is covered by a network of coarse
scales.
Inside the earthball the spore mass is almost white at first and then
brown with white marbling before turning purple-brown throughout.
At maturity the skin ruptures leaving a large, irregular opening
via which the wind and rain disperse the spores. |
Dimensions |
Typically 1.5 to 4cm across; 3 to 4cm tall. |
Other features |
Earthballs are much less spongy than the
various puffballs with which they are sometimes confused. |
Stipe |
None |
Spores |
Dark brown. |
Odour/taste |
Unpleasant odour of gas; taste not distinctive. |
Habitat |
Found growing on well drained, sandy soil,
forest tracks and shaded banks. |
Season |
July to early December. |
Occurrence |
Very common. |
Similar species |
- Lycoperdon perlatum, the common puffball, has pearly, pointed
scales and is very spongy to the touch. It is club-like in shape has a
rudimentary infertile stipe.
- Lycoperdon mammiforme is white at first before its surface
breaks up into large cream scales rather than warts; it, too, is more
spongy and is more pear shaped, comprising a fertile ball on a spongy
infertile stipe.
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