Western Giant Puffball

Description:

Described as a new species only since 1964, Calvatia booniana differs from its Eastern U.S. and European relative (Calvatia gigantea) by its sculpted surface that resembles a turtle shell. Each plant contains millions of spores that are released through surface cracks. The size of this plant was between that of a cantaloupe and a medium-sized watermelon. The plants that dotted the understory here looked from a short distance like enormous ostrich eggs.Nov. 11, 2014, Holladay, Salt Lake County, Utah, natural space on private property accessed with permission, growing under primarily arborescent Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and a plum tree ornamental, elev. 4,530 ft.