About Scleroderma areolatum Ehrenb.
Scleroderma areolatum Ehrenb. fruiting bodies typically measure 1–5 centimetres (3⁄8–2 inches) in diameter, and grow either individually or in small groups. Like most species in the genus Scleroderma, S. areolatum looks similar to the giant puffball, but is only distantly related to it. You can distinguish S. areolatum from the giant puffball by cutting the fungus open lengthwise: giant puffballs will have a solid, dense center with no sign of a developing mushroom cap inside. This species is commonly found in neutral soil in deciduous forests. Scleroderma areolatum is poisonous; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea, and fainting can occur after eating larger quantities.
