Spiky earthball

[black]

Anyone know what species this spiky earthball is?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Lycoperdon echinatum

Cheers,

Adam

[black]

Thanks Adam

[AlanS]

This is Blackish Puffball, Lycoperdon nigrescens (aka L. foetidum) in its very young state. It goes much darker with age - see the photograph in Phillips. A common species in nutrient poor woodland or grassland or on heaths.

Calling it "Lycoperdon echinatum" is, I am afraid, a rather common mistake. The true L. echinatum, the Hedgehog Puffball, has much longer spines and really does look like a baby rolled-up hedgehog. It is much less common and found mainly under beech on rich/calcareous soils.

Alan

[black]

Thanks Alan for clearing that one up.