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Purple-spored Puffball

Fungi: Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes: Agaricales: Agaricaceae: Calvatia cyathiformis (Bosc) Morgan

Calvatia cyathiformis – Purple-spored Puffball

Synonyms: Calvatia fragilis, Lycoperdon cyathiforme, Lycoperdon fragile, Lycoperdon mammaeforme, Utraria fragilis.

Common name: Purple-spored Puffball.

Extract from Wikipedia article: Calvatia cyathiformis, or purple-spored puffball, is a large edible saprobic species of Calvatia. This terrestrial puffball has purplish or purple-brown spores, which distinguish it from other large Agaricales. It is found mostly in prairie or grasslands of North America, Australia, and probably elsewhere.

Polish: Czasznica miskowata, Quechua: Kulli paku.

AI-generated description

Calvatia cyathiformis is a species of puffball fungus that grows up to 20 cm in diameter, with a brown to tan exterior and white interior. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from June to October, often in open woods, fields, and along roadsides. The fungus can be found in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and is commonly associated with oak, pine, and other deciduous trees. It is considered edible when young and immature, but can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested when mature. Specimens from East and Central Texas often have a more rounded shape and shorter stalk than those found in other regions.

Photos of this mushroom from East and Central Texas

Puffball mushrooms <B>Calvatia cyathiformis</B> on open space near a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, <A HREF="../date-en/2022-09-05.htm">September 5, 2022</A>
LinkPuffball mushrooms Calvatia cyathiformis on open space near a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, September 5, 2022
Location on maps23450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of the fungus Calvatia cyathiformis in East and Central Texas reveal its presence in open spaces. Specifically, puffball mushrooms were found near a former pond at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Washington, Texas, on September 5, 2022. The species appears to thrive in areas with ample space and potentially moist soil. The sighting suggests that Calvatia cyathiformis can be found in regions with similar habitats, such as open fields or meadows, particularly after rainfall or near water sources. Further observations are needed to fully understand the distribution and habitat preferences of this fungus in East and Central Texas. The discovery highlights the importance of exploring diverse ecosystems to document the presence of unique species like Calvatia cyathiformis. Habitat characteristics, such as soil type and moisture levels, may play a crucial role in supporting the growth of this species.

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Acknowledgements

Mushroom Observer and Facebook for learning names of local mushrooms.

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