Calvatia

Notes

Large (usually more than 5 cm across) terrestrial puffballs found in forest and open grassy areas. The spores are released following irregular breakdown of the outer wall, rather than through a distinct pore.
There are 4 species known from New Zealand, all probably introduced.

 

NameImageGoogle
Images		NZFungi Entry

Calvatia gigantea
The giant puffball Calvatia gigantea (also known as Langermannia gigantea) which can reach 0.5m across is usually associated with decaying herbaceous and grassy material.

Calvatia craniiformis
Although smaller than the giant puffball Calvatia gigantea, can nevertheless reach 15cm or so across. It is common in native forests.
An immature specimen showing the large sterile base with developing spore mass above.
A mature specimen showing the large sterile base with brown spore mass above. The large sterile base often persists long after most of the spore mass has dispersed.