Calvatia craniiformis

Calvatia craniiformis, commonly known as the skull-shaped puffball, is a species of fungus in the family Agaricaceae. This mushroom is notable for its distinctive shape and size, resembling a human skull, which contributes to its common name. It is found in various parts of North America, particularly in grassy areas and open woods.

Description

Calvatia craniiformis features a large, rounded fruiting body that can reach up to 15 cm in diameter. The outer surface is initially smooth and white, becoming brown and cracked with age, revealing the spore mass inside. The interior is initially white and firm but turns into a mass of brown, powdery spores as the mushroom matures. The spores are released through cracks or openings that develop in the outer layer of the fruiting body.

Habitat and Distribution

This puffball species prefers grasslands, fields, and open forest areas. It is primarily found in North America, with occurrences also reported in other regions. Calvatia craniiformis tends to appear in late summer to fall, growing solitarily or in small groups.

Ecology

Like other puffballs, Calvatia craniiformis plays a role in the decomposition of organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling in its ecosystem. It is a saprotrophic organism, obtaining nutrients by breaking down dead or decaying organic material.

Culinary and Medicinal Use

While young specimens of Calvatia craniiformis with white, firm flesh can be edible, caution is advised due to the difficulty of distinguishing edible puffballs from poisonous look-alikes. There is no significant record of medicinal use of this species.

Conservation

Currently, there are no specific conservation concerns for Calvatia craniiformis. However, like many fungi, its presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, and its habitat should be preserved.

See Also

• Puffball
• Mycology
• Fungal ecology

Calvatia craniiformis
Mycological characteristics
	glebal hymenium
	hymenium attachment is not applicable
	lacks a stipe
	spore print is brown
	ecology is saprotrophic
	edibility: edible