Scleroderma areolatum

Description

Scleroderma areolatum is a toxic mushroom belonging to the Scleroderm genus.

Similar to other Scleroderma species, S. areolatum looks somewhat like the giant puffball, although it is only distantly related. A key difference is visible when cut in half: the giant puffball has a solid, denser center without signs of a developing cap mushroom.

Ingesting this mushroom can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and in larger amounts, fainting. It can be identified by its thin young outer layer, reddening flesh, and usually shorter roots, setting it apart from the thin-skinned potato puffball.

Beyond causing stomach issues, there are occasional reports of severe poisoning with significant visual disruptions, potentially leading to temporary blindness, and instances of fainting spells that may even progress to coma.

Common names: Leopard Earthball, Earth Balls, Small Potato, German (Gefelderter Kartoffelbovis), Japan (ヒメカタショウロ).

Mushroom Identification

1. Fruiting Body

   The visible part of this fungus is typically 0.39 to 2.76 inches (1 to 7 cm) wide and round or pear-shaped. When young, its surface is smooth and reddish when touched, but as it matures, it becomes scaly, resembling leopard skin with small brown scales on a yellowish base. It doesn't have a proper stem, although it might have a vague stem-like structure at times. It gives off a slightly sweet or no distinct odor.

2. Habitat

   This mushroom forms a mutually beneficial relationship with hardwood and conifer trees in damp, shaded forests. However, it can also live off decaying matter, potentially in open spaces or gardens. It grows in groups and can be found in various parts of North America and Europe during the summer and fall.

3. Spores

   The spore mass starts off as whitish and fleshy but turns dark purplish or olive brown and powdery as it ages. When certain chemicals are applied, the surface of the fungus turns yellowish brown or dark red.

4. Odor and Taste

   The odor is reminiscent of spices or city gas, and the taste is mild.

5. Microscopic Features

   Looking at it under a microscope, the spores are 11-15 µ in size and round, covered in dense short spines that are not connected like a net. These spines can be up to 2 µ long.

Look-Alikes

1. Lycoperdon perlatum

   The common puffball displays pearlescent, pointed scales and offers a notably sponge-like texture to the touch. It takes on a club-like shape and features a rudimentary infertile stipe.

2. Lycoperdon mammiforme

   This species starts off white and then undergoes a transformation into large cream scales as its surface fractures, which is distinct from the typical warts. Similarly spongy in nature, this type assumes a more pear-shaped form, comprising a fertile ball atop a spongy infertile stipe.

History

The fungus was officially documented in scientific literature in 1818 by the German naturalist Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg (1795 - 1876). Ehrenberg attributed the binomial scientific name Scleroderma areolatum to it, a designation that endures today.

The genus name Scleroderma is derived from the Greek words "scler-", denoting hardness, and "-derma", referring to skin.

The specific epithet "areolatum" originates from the Latin term "areola," signifying the small circular area surrounding a nipple. This term draws a parallel to the pale ring-shaped area around each scale on the surface of this earthball fungus, akin to the spots on a leopard.

Synonyms

1. Scleroderma lycoperdoides Schweinitz (1822), Schriften der naturforschenden Gesellschaft zu Leipzig, 1, p. 61

2. Bovistella lycoperdoides (Schweinitz) Lloyd (1906), Mycological writings, 2, mycological notes n° 23, p. 280, tab. 87, fig. 5-6

3. Scleroderma franceschii Macchione (2000), Bollettino del Gruppo micologico G. Bresadola, 43(3), p. 17

Video

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