Content
False puffball is a common mushroom that is a member of the Scleroderma family. It belongs to the group of gasteromycetes, so its fruiting body retains a closed shape until the spores that form inside are fully mature. In reference books it can be found under the name Scleroderma verrucosum.
What do warty false puffballs look like?
This mushroom is distinguished by a highly thickened upper part, and in general the fruiting body has a tuberous shape. Its surface is rough to the touch, as it is covered with completely convex scales. The verrucous false puffball does not have a clearly defined cap and legs; they are a single whole.
The upper shell (or peridium) of this species is coarse, corky, olive-colored. The cross-sectional diameter can be 2-8 cm, and the height reaches up to 7 cm. The mushroom is attached to the ground using a folded pseudopod with grooves, from which mycelial strands extend in different directions. In some cases, the lower part of the mushroom may be completely in the soil. When ripe, the upper surface loses its scales and becomes smooth, after which it cracks.
Young specimens have dense, light-colored flesh with yellow veins. As it matures, it acquires a gray tint, and then turns black and becomes loose.
The spores of this species are large, spherical, their size is 8-12 microns. The ripening of the spore powder begins from the top of the fruiting body. After this, the pulp becomes black and emits an unpleasant metallic odor. This mushroom does not have a sterile base under the glebe.
This representative is similar in external characteristics to a raincoat, and in internal characteristics it is similar to a truffle.
Where do verrucous false puffballs grow?
This mushroom is found everywhere. In most cases it grows in groups, less often singly. Prefers sandy soils rich in organic matter, with a high level of acidity and rotten wood. Initially, the warty false puffball grows deep in the soil like a truffle, but as it grows it always comes to the surface.
He prefers open areas of the forest, well-lit edges. Therefore, the common places where it grows are:
- fields;
- meadows;
- edges of ditches;
- pastures;
- felling;
- places along the roads.
The fruiting season for Pustule verrucosa begins in August and continues until the end of October, weather conditions permitting. It is able to withstand drought for a long period.
This species forms mycorrhizae with shrubs and hard trees such as oak and beech.
Is it possible to eat verrucous puffballs?
This mushroom is classified as inedible. But at the same time it is characterized by mild toxicity, so it can be used in small doses as a spice. Consumption in large quantities causes food poisoning, which is accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Signs of intoxication appear after 1-3 hours. In this case, you need to call an ambulance. Before the doctor arrives, you should rinse your stomach and drink activated charcoal at the rate of one tablet per 10 kg of body weight.
Conclusion
The warty false puffball is of no interest to mushroom pickers, as it is inedible. In order to avoid mistakes when collecting and preparing, it is worth studying the characteristic differences of the species in advance.
