Synonyms: Scleroderma fuscum, Scleroderma macrorrhizon, Scleroderma verrucosum, Scleroderma vulgare, Tuber fuscum.
Common name: potato earthball.
Scleroderma bovista is a type of earthball fungus that grows underground or partially submerged in soil. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from summer to fall, producing rounded, warty, brownish-gray to dark brown sporocarps that range from 2-6 cm in diameter. The interior is purplish-brown and filled with a powdery spore mass. It often grows in association with oak, pine, and other tree species, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wooded areas, fields, and along roadsides.
False puffball mushroom Scleroderma bovista(?) collected on Texas Avenue South on campus of Texas A&M University. College Station, Texas, October 16, 2017
False puffball mushrooms Scleroderma bovista in Lake Bryan Park. Bryan, Texas, October 10, 2018
8181 Mumford Road, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
Potato earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma bovista(?)) on a lawn in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, January 6, 2021Schob Nature Preserve, 906 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Potato earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma bovista) in prairie in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 24, 202123668 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Potato earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma bovista(?)) in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, October 29, 2021906, Ashburn Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Potato earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma bovista)(?) under crape myrtle in College Station Cemetery. College Station, Texas, December 7, 2021Texas Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77845, United States
Potato earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma bovista) on Yaupon Loop Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2023Yaupon Loop Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Spores (stacked image) of earthball mushrooms Scleroderma bovista (in KOH) collected on a pipeline in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2023
Spores of earthball mushrooms Scleroderma bovista (in KOH) collected on a pipeline in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 9, 2023
Potato earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma bovista) on a trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 29, 2024Parkview Drive, Burleson County, Texas, 77863, United StatesObservations of Scleroderma bovista in East and Central Texas reveal its presence in various locations. The fungus was found in College Station, Bryan, Washington, and Somerville Lake areas. It grew in different environments, including lawns, prairies, parks, and near trees like crape myrtle. The sightings occurred during different times of the year, from October to March, indicating a potentially wide fruiting period. The fungus was identified through visual observations and spore analysis, with some specimens collected for further study. Locations included Texas A&M University, Lake Bryan Park, David E. Schob Nature Preserve, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, College Station Cemetery, Lick Creek Park, and Somerville Lake State Park. The fungus was often found in areas with trees and grasses, suggesting a possible association with these environments.
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