Scleroderma citrinum - Common Earthball

Description

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.

Stem

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.