Morganella pyriformis is a puffball. The mature fruiting body of the fungus bursts open and releases the spores, after some physical force has been applied. I've been known to help a few of these along.

Prior to 2003, this fungus was known as Lycoperdon pyriforme. It has since been moved out of the genus Lycoperdon based on molecular evidence and morphological difference to other members of the genus. No longer is the evocative common name suggested by Tom Volk a literal translation of the genus name. A different common name, pear-shaped puffball, is perhaps more proper. After all, the epithet pyriformis does mean "in the form of Pyrus (pear)". However, I'll personally use the one proposed by Tom, because I know I'll never forget it.

Tom's article also has a story about the results of deeply inhaling the spores of puffballs (don't do it). Illustrations and descriptions of Morganella pyriformis are available from both Mykoweb and Michael Kuo's MushroomExpert.com.


Posted by: Beverly    Source

---