Warty puffball is a common fungus that is a member of the Scleroderma family. It belongs to the group of Gasteromycetes, therefore its fruiting body retains a closed shape until the spores that form inside are fully ripe. In reference books it can be found under the name Scleroderma verrucosum.

What do warty raincoats look like

This fungus is distinguished by a strongly 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 warty raincoat does not have a pronounced hat and legs, they are a single whole.

The upper shell (or peridium) of this species is a rough olive-colored cork. The diameter in the section can be 2-8 cm, and the height reaches up to 7 cm. The fungus is attached to the ground with the help of a folded pseudopod with grooves, from which mycelial strands extend in different directions. In some cases, the lower part of the fungus may be completely in the soil. When ripe, the upper surface loses its scales and becomes smooth, after which it cracks.

In young specimens, the flesh is dense, light in color with yellow streaks. As it grows older, it acquires a gray tint, and then blackens and becomes loose.

Important! A distinctive feature of the warty puffball is that its flesh does not dust when the upper shell cracks.

The spores of this species are large spherical, their size is 8-12 microns. The maturation of the spore powder begins at the top of the fruiting body. After that, the pulp becomes black and exudes an unpleasant metallic odor. This fungus does not have a sterile base under the gleba.

Warty raincoat: description and photo

This representative is externally similar to a raincoat, and internally – to a truffle

Where do warty puffballs grow

This fungus is found everywhere. In most cases, it grows in groups, less often singly. Prefers sandy soils rich in organic matter, with high levels of acidity and rotten wood. Initially, the warty 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 of its growth are:

  • fields;
  • meadows;
  • the edges of the ditches;
  • pastures;
  • clearings;
  • places along the roads.
Important! This species, as a rule, does not grow in the same place every year.

The fruiting season of the warty puffball begins in August and continues until the end of October, weather permitting. It is able to endure drought for a long period.

This species forms mycorrhiza with shrubs and hardwoods such as oak, beech.

Is it possible to eat warty puffballs

This mushroom belongs to the category of inedible. But at the same time it is characterized by low toxicity, so it can be used in small doses as a spice. Ingestion 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 wash your stomach and drink activated charcoal at the rate of one tablet per 10 kg of body weight.

Conclusion

The warty puffball is not of interest to mushroom pickers, as it is inedible. In order to avoid mistakes when collecting and harvesting, it is worthwhile to study in advance the characteristic differences of the species.

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