Plant Profile: Scleroderma aurantium

This fungus, known scientifically as Scleroderma citrinum, is not classified as a mushroom but belongs to a category of fungi referred to as puffballs. The spores develop within a closed fruiting body, which becomes dusty when mature. At this stage, the fruiting body ruptures, releasing the spores to be carried away by the wind.

The fruiting body itself is typically round to oblong, measuring between 2 to 4 inches in width and 1 to 3 inches in height. Its coloration ranges from brown to yellow-brown and is characterized by small, dark brown, rough warts. The peridium, or outer layer, is thick and yellow-brown, with the inner surface displaying a yellow hue. Initially, the gleba, or spore mass, is white, but it transitions to a marbled purple and eventually dark brown as the spores mature.

While this species is native to North Carolina, it is more commonly found in the western mountainous regions. It thrives in forests and other natural habitats, often appearing singly or in small clusters on soil or decaying wood within mixed conifer-hardwood forests.

It is important to note that this fungus is highly toxic if ingested.