Fungi Foray

LYCOPERDACEAE

Giant Puffball

Calvatia gigantea

Large saprotrophic fungus that grows along woodland edges often on decaying plants. They can grow up to nearly a metre in diameter, however in Hainault Forest they are usually football-size. The leathery skin tears to release millions of spores that are dispersed on the wind.

LYCOPERDACEAE

Pestle Puffball

Lycoperdon excipuliforme

Fruitbodies grow up to 20cm tall and 10cm across. They are found from September to November growing in leaf litter. Older specimens turn ochre, becoming smooth, leathery and losing their warts. When mature the rounded tops split to release purple-brown spores. The stipe is tapered. No distinctive smell.

LYCOPERDACEAE

Dusky Puffball

Lycoperdon nigrescens

Occasionally found on acidic grassland. Dark brown when mature. Unlike other puffballs the tiny spines on the surface of Dusky Puffballs are tipped with fine hooks.

LYCOPERDACEAE

Common Puffball

Lycoperdon perlatum

Normally found in small, scattered, groups in leaf litter under trees during summer and autumn, standing 40-80mm tall. Mature specimens release spores through a hole in the top which get dispersed by wind and rain.

LYCOPERDACEAE

Meadow Puffball

Lycoperdon pratense

Seen in meadows during autumn. Immature fruiting bodies are creamy-white with a thick stem-like base. They grow up to 5cm across.

LYCOPERDACEAE

Stump Puffball

Lycoperdon pyriforme

The only puffball that grows on wood making it easy to identify. Large numbers often grow together. Young fruitbodies are whitish-yellow, usually club-shaped and covered in very fine warts. They brown with age.

SCLERODERMATACEAE

Leopard Earthball

Scleroderma areolatum

The skin of this small earthball (20-50mm across) is smooth, creamy yellow, with brownish leopard-like spots. The spores are purple-grey or blackish. Found in oak woodland during autumn.

SCLERODERMATACEAE

Potato Earthball

Scleroderma bovista

This brownish earthball (20-50mm dia.) has a fairly smooth skin giving it an appearance similar to a small potato. It is associated with Lime trees and has a preference for sandy soils.

SCLERODERMATACEAE

Common Earthball

Scleroderma citrinum

The Common Earthball splits open to release sand-coloured spores. When conditions are poor the spores are able to remain dormant for a long time.