PUFFBALLS 



127 



cylindric, hollow or with a central core; spores globose, rust-colored, 4-S/j,. 

 name refers to the raised mouth. 



Frequent in sandy fields; edibility not known. 



The 



CALVATIA 



This genus is distinguished from L y c p e r d n and B o v i s t a by the lack 

 of a mouth or opening, through which the spores escape. The inner wall breaks 

 away in fragments, leaving in most species a sterile, stalk-like base. This genus 

 contains the largest and best of our piuffballs. All the species are found on the 

 ground, often in fairy rings, and all are edible. The name refers to the smooth wall. 



Figure 91. Calvatia cigantea 



Key to the Species 



1. Cap very large, without a stalk-like base 



2. Cap large, with a stalk-like base 



a. Spore mass brown or olive-brown 



b. Spore mass lilac- or purple-brown 



C. gigaiitca 



C. caelata 



C. cyathifonnis 



Calvatia gigantea Giant Puffball 



Cap very large, 25-50 cm. wide, white or whitish, yellowish or brownish in age, 

 •smooth, or somewhat roughened by scales or cracks, more or less globose ; spores 

 ■olive or olive-brown, globose, smooth, 4/i. The name refers to the great size. 



