SCIENTIFIC NAME: SCLERODERMA VERRUCOSUM
VERNACULAR NAME: SCALY EARTHBALL

Fig 1
FRUIT BODY 2 - 8cm wide. An almost round earthball that is more often than not flattened on top. The yellowish brown fruiting body is covered in small brownish scales and breaks up irregularly so as to releases the inner spores. A ribbed stem is diagnostic. Usually darker than similar species.
GLEBA Leathery in sterile stem and olive brown in colour.
SPORES Olive brown, globose with warts.
HABITAT Woodland areas with rich, less acidic soil.
SEASON Occasional.  Late summer to autumn.
EDIBILITY Inedible.  r

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