J. King Posted January 21, 2023 Report Share Posted January 21, 2023 Is it a common earthball? Found in a hayfield in Chester NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted January 21, 2023 Report Share Posted January 21, 2023 I'd like to see the entire fruit body from a few different perspectives. For this one, the shape would be important. I'm guessing it's shaped kinda like a skull, with the lower part somewhat narrower than the upper 1/2-2/3. Judging from the green grass and clover I'd say this was probably photographed during late summer or early fall. There are two species that come to mind, Calvatia craniiformis http://www.mushroomexpert.com/calvatia_craniiformis.html or Calvatia cyathiformis http://www.mushroomexpert.com/calvatia_cyathiformis.html Either of these forms fairly large skull-shaped "puffballs", and the outer surface may be either smooth or cracked like a mosaic pattern (like the one seen). But, like I began, seeing more detail is necessary for a more confident ID proposal. If by "common earthball" you mean Sclerodeerma citrinum, then I think the answer is "no." Scleroderma species mostly grow in woodland settings. Judging from the visual comparison of this fruit with the surrounding clover, I think this is significantly larger than one would expect for a Scleroderma "earthball." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. King Posted January 23, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2023 Thank you Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.