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Project Noah Nature School
Calvatia cyathiformis
Fruit body 5-16cm across, 5-11 (15)cm high, hemispherical with a rudimentary stem, forcing up through turf; pallid to dirty tan or brownish with age; smooth at first, then soon cracking into smaller areas to give a tesselated effect; breaking up to reveal spore mass (gleba) in a persistent cuplike base. Spore mass of cottony consistency; white at first, then soon deep lilac to dark purple-brown. Edible when young. "a soft leathery cup-shaped sterile base lightly rooted to the ground remains."
Habitat in open fields and lawns. Common. Found widespread in eastern North America and the Great Plains. Season July-November.
Spotted growing on a wooded drive near an old church and cemetery and a utility plant.
Spotted on Jun 24, 2013
Submitted on Oct 17, 2013
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