544 



The Gemmed Puffbaee (Edibee) 



Lycopcrdon gcmuiatuui Batsch 



This little puffball is very common and is widely distributed 

 throughout the world. It usually grows on the ground either in the 

 woods or in open places. When young the whole plant is white both 

 inside and out. It is usually 3 to 7 cm. (i to 3 inches) high and 

 3 to 5 cm. ( I to 2 inches) broad, and is easily recognized by its shape,, 

 which is like a top, and by the erect scales, which are of two sizes, 

 the larger ones later falling away and leaving circular scars on the 

 surface. 



There is never anv danger in eating puffballs, since none of them 

 are poisonous. They should always be cut open, however, to see that 

 they are pure white within, since as soon as they begin to be colored 

 thev are not good. The gemmed puffball. while it is eaten in cjuanti- 

 ties by some people, is not one of the best. Some of the larger puff- 

 balls are much better. 



LycQpcrdoii cyutJiifoniic Busc. is a somewhat pear-shaped puffball, 

 rounded above and tapering below to a stout Ijase. It grows in pas- 

 tures and other grassy places, or sometimes in cultivated fields, and 

 is from 7 to 15 cm. (3 to 6 inches) in diameter. It is a most excellent 

 mushroom for the table. 



Perhaps even better than the al)o\e. but not so common, is Calvatia 

 yigantca Batsch. the giant puft'ball. This plant is a rounded mass 

 resting on the gr( mnd and attached by cords of mycelium. It is usuall;.' 

 20 to 40 cm. (8 to 16 inches) in diameter, l)ut occasionally it gets 

 much larger than that. It is the largest fungus knov, n. It should be 

 peeled, sliced, and broiled or fried. 



Collected in Champaign and L^nion counties. 



