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Species of the month

Western Giant Puffball

Calvatia booniana

Some facts about this species of Puffball fungus:

Dimensions of the mushroom: 10–70 cm (3.9–28 in) in diameter, with no stalk.
Spores: Globose or subglobose with a diameter of 3–5 µm. The spores are smooth or very finely roughened, and with an olive brown colour.
Range: Western parts of North America.
IUCN Red List status: Not evaluated.

Calvatia booniana is one of the largest species of Puffball fungi in the world. It is edible when young as long as the gleba is still completely white inside. Older specimen that has grown yellow or dark inside can be unhealthy.