Specimen #10 Lycoperdon pyriforme Mushroom Sample

Figure 1: Overview of lycoperdon pyriforme.
Shows pear shape and granules produced
on peridium.

Figure 2: Closer look at the granules produced
on the peridium. skin is cracked which
allows them to pop up.

Figure 3: Lycoperdon pyrifome cross sectioned.
Closer look at the spores in the middle producing
a smooth center. Also can see the granules
sticking off the top of the peridium.

                                                                  
Name: Lycoperdon pyriforme
Common Name: Pear-shaped Puffball
Family: Agaricaceae
Collected Date: 10/22/16
Habitat: Scattered in clusters on stumps, rotting logs, and sawdust. Fruiting mostly in the fall and winter but old bleached out fruiting bodies can be found most of the time.
Location: Hiram College Field Staion
Description: Pear-shaped and has a stem-like sterile base. peridium whitish to pale brown when young. when older yellowish to dark rusty-brown. Smooth at first then becomes finely cracked to form small granules or particles. 
Key Used: David Arora. 1986. Mushroom Demystified
Keying Steps:
1. Not as above.. so fruiting body when young is not dark brown
2. Growing on wood, sawdust, or lingin-rich humus
3. Not as above.. so fruiting body never pitted, usually with white mycelial threads at bade or in surrounding substrate; sterile base well-developed; common and widespread.