False puffball

Reticularia lycoperdon

A species of Reticularia

False puffball is distinguished by its round, globular shape, resembling a puffball at a young stage. As it matures, false puffball develops an intricate network structure, typically with a white to grayish hue. It thrives on decaying wood, contributing to the ecosystem by decomposing dead forest matter. Its fruiting body is known to appear following heavy rains, often in the late summer to fall.

General Info About False puffball

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Attributes of False puffball

Spore Print Color

Faint brown

Body Color

Silver

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Species Status

Widespread and fairly frequent

Endangered Species

How to Identify False puffball

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Flesh

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Habitat of False puffball

The false puffball grows in woods and wooded areas, particularly those inhabited by pines. The species is saprobic; it feeds on decomposing organic material, therefore it can be seen growing on rotting logs, stumps, or well-rotted tree bark.

Scientific Classification of False puffball

Phylum

Mycetozoa