gigantea

Giant Puffball

Calvatia gigantea is one of the largest and most recognizable fungi in the world, producing massive, globose fruiting bodies that can reach diameters of 10 to 70 cm (sometimes larger) and weigh several kilograms. The fruit body lacks a distinct stem or cap, appearing as a large, white, smooth to slightly velvety ball attached to the ground by a thin cord-like rhizomorph. As it matures, the outer skin (peridium) turns from pure white to yellowish and eventually brown, cracking open to release trillions of spores.