130 MINNESOTA. MUSHROOMS 



BOVISTA 



Cap more or less globoid, but ^vith()ut a sterile base or a definite mouth, in 

 which respects it differs from L y c o p e r d o n. The outer layer is fragile and 

 papery, soon disappearing. The species arc small, grow on the ground and are edible. 

 Name doubtful. 



Key to the Species 



1. Cap 2-3 cm. wide, lead-colored B. phtmhca 



2. Cap 3-6 cm. wide, brown B. pila 



Figure 94. Lycoperdon pyri forme 



Bovista plumbea Lead Bovista 



Cap 2-3 cm. wide, cortex white and papery, finally disappearing, showing the 

 smooth lead-colored inner wall with an irregular mouth, more or less globose ; 

 spores brown-purple, ovoid, smooth, 6-7 X 5-6/a. The name refers to the color. 



On the ground in grassland, spring to frost ; edible. 



Bovista pila Brown Bovista 



Cap 3-6 cm. wide, cortex white and papery, breaking up into scales which drop 

 off, showing the brown or brown-purple inner wall, with an irregular torn opening, 

 more or less globoid; spores purple-brown, globose, smooth, 4-5/x. The name 

 refers to the ball-like cap. 



On the ground in woodland and grassland, spring to autumn; edible. 



