Calvatia gigantea
Calvatia gigantea
Calvatia gigantea (pronunciation: kal-VAH-tee-uh jy-GAN-tee-uh), commonly known as the giant puffball, is a species of puffball mushroom in the family Agaricaceae.
Etymology
The genus name Calvatia is derived from the Latin word calvus, meaning "bald", referring to the smooth, sporeless surface of the mushroom. The species name gigantea is from the Latin giganteus, meaning "giant", referring to the large size of the mushroom.
Description
The Calvatia gigantea is a large, white, spherical mushroom that can reach diameters of up to 80 cm (31 in). The interior of the mushroom, known as the gleba, is initially white and firm, but becomes yellowish and powdery as the spores mature. The mushroom lacks a stalk, and the outer skin, or peridium, is thick and tough.
Habitat and distribution
Calvatia gigantea is found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It typically grows in the late summer and fall.
Edibility
The Calvatia gigantea is edible when young and the gleba is still white. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a firm texture. However, it should not be consumed if the gleba has turned yellow or brown, as this indicates that the spores have matured and can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Related terms
- Mycology: The study of fungi.
- Spore: A reproductive unit in fungi.
- Mushroom: The fruiting body of a fungus.
- Agaricaceae: A family of fungi that includes the Calvatia gigantea.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calvatia gigantea
- Wikipedia's article - Calvatia gigantea
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