Calvatia caelata
(Bull.) Morgan
Pukurau, Mosaic puffball
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Alexandru Pintilioaie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Alexandru Pintilioaie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Lina, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A temperate puffball mushroom in the Lycoperdiaceae family, also known as the pukurau or mosaic puffball.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The mushroom fungus is eaten.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, New Zealand*,
Notes
There are about 35 Calvatia species.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Death Cap (button stage)
Amanita phalloides
Archenzo
Pukurau
Calvatia caelata
(c) Alexandru Pintilioaie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Death Cap (button stage): When cut in half reveals developing gills, stem, and cap outline inside the round exterior.
Pukurau: Uniform pure white flesh when cut in half, no internal structures visible, very large when mature.
Also Known As
Fudiao mabo
References (3)
- Boa, E. R., 2004, Wild edible fungi and their importance to people. FAO Non Wood Forest Products Booklet 17
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 136
- Dongol, et al, 1995, Edible Mushrooms in Nepal
