ORANGE STAINING PUFFBALL

ORANGE STAINING PUFFBALL

Calvatia ruboflava
PUFFBALL FAMILY (Lycoperdaceae)

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These yellow to orange puffballs grow on the ground up to 3″ wide. It is shaped as a flattened sphere at the top, its base is tapered where it attaches to the ground with a few white strands (rhizomorphs). When this mushroom’s thin shell breaks, its spore mass quickly turns a bright yellow; this is unique among puffballs.

It has so far been found only at one location in Fontenelle Forest, near the highest point on History Trail, in early September.

When touched, the spore mass becomes a very persistent stain on hands and clothing. The mature mushroom has a rank odor.

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