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Bovistella utriformis

Bovistella utriformis
Also known as:
Botanical Overview

Handkea utriformis, synonymous with Lycoperdon utriforme, Lycoperdon caelatum or Calvatia utriformis, is a species of the puffball family Lycoperdaceae. A rather large mushroom, it may reach dimensions of up to 25 cm (10 in) broad by 20 cm (8 in) tall. It is commonly known as the mosaic puffball, a reference to the polygonal-shaped segments the outer surface of the fruiting body develops as it matures. Widespread in northern temperate zones, it is found frequently on pastures and sandy heaths, and is edible when young. H. utriformis has antibiotic activity against a number of bacteria, and can bioaccumulate the trace metals copper and zinc to relatively high concentrations.

Foraging Safety · Hazard Watch

Similar & Confusing Lookalikes

Never harvest or eat wild mushrooms based on photos alone. Always cross-check against these similar lookalikes:

Calvatia cyathiformis Lookalike
Calvatia cyathiformis
Calvatia cyathiformis
Read on Wikipedia
Calvatia booniana Lookalike
Calvatia booniana
Calvatia booniana
Read on Wikipedia
giant puffball Edible
giant puffball
Calvatia gigantea
View Species Guide
Langermannia pachyderma Lookalike
Langermannia pachyderma
Langermannia pachyderma
Read on Wikipedia
Classification

Scientific Taxonomy

Kingdom Fungi Phylum Basidiomycota Class Agaricomycetes Order Agaricales Family Agaricaceae Genus Bovistella
Safety Notice: Never consume any wild mushroom based exclusively on photographs or app identification. Many deadly poisonous species (such as Amanita phalloides) closely mimic edible varieties. Always verify your specimen in person with a certified expert mycologist.
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