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.

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.