gem studded puffball

Description:

The fruit body ranges in shape from pear-like with a flattened top, to nearly spherical, and reaches dimensions of 1.5 to 6 cm (0.6 to 2.4 in) wide by 3 to 7 cm (1.2 to 2.8 in) tall. It has a stem-like base. The outer surface of the fruit body (the exoperidium) is covered in short cone-shaped spines that are interspersed with granular warts. The spines, which are whitish, gray, or brown, can be easily rubbed off, and leave reticulate pock marks or scars after they are removed.The base of the puffball is thick, and has internal chambers. It is initially white, but turns yellow, olive, or brownish in age.The reticulate pattern resulting from the rubbed-off spines is less evident on the base.

Habitat:

A saprobic species, Lycoperdon perlatum grows solitarily, scattered, or in groups or clusters on the ground. It can also grow in fairy rings. Typical habitats include woods, grassy areas, and along roads. A widespread species with an almost cosmopolitan distribution

Notes:

Spotted in amix forest near my house under some cork oaks,the first puffball of the season :-)