Leopard Earthball
Scleroderma areolatum Ehrenb.
Leopard Earthball: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/23266
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3 Records

Status

Probably more common in Maryland than the few reports would suggest but the species is easily mistaken for Common Earthball (Scleroderma citrinum).

Description

A solitary or gregarious earthball growing on soil. It is typically rounded but may be pear-shaped or with a flattened top. Mature specimens are covered with simple, flat, angular, dark-brown scales. Unlike other earthballs, the spores of Leopard Earthball are covered in spines (not reticulate).

Where To Find

Leopard Earthball is typically found in disturbed habitats in hardwood forests.

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Source: Wikipedia

Scleroderma areolatum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Boletales
Family: Sclerodermataceae
Genus: Scleroderma
Species:
S. areolatum
Binomial name
Scleroderma areolatum
Scleroderma areolatum
View the Mycomorphbox template that generates the following list
Glebal hymenium
No distinct cap
Hymenium attachment is not applicable
Lacks a stipe
Spore print is purple-black to olive
Ecology is mycorrhizal
Edibility is poisonous

Scleroderma areolatum is a basidiomycete fungus and a member of the genus Scleroderma, or "earth balls."

Like most members of Scleroderma, S. areolatum resembles but is only distantly related to the giant puffball. It can be distinguished from the giant puffball by cutting it in half; the puffball will have a solid, denser middle, with no signs of a developing cap mushroom. They are usually 1–5 cm in diameter, and grow individually or in small groups.[1] They are commonly found in deciduous forests, in neutral soil. They are poisonous,[2] and ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and in larger quantities, fainting.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kuo M. "Scleroderma areolatum". MushroomExpert.Com. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  2. ^ Phillips, Roger (2010). Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. p. 334. ISBN 978-1-55407-651-2.