Lycoperdon umbrinum

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Lycoperdon umbrinum
Lycoperdon umbrinum.JPG
Lycoperdon umbrinum, found in Gåla (Norway) in late August
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Agaricaceae
Genus: Lycoperdon
Species:
L. umbrinum
Binomial name
Lycoperdon umbrinum
Pers. (1801)
Synonyms [1]
  • Lycoperdon gemmatum var. molleDe Toni & Fischer (1888)
  • Lycoperdon gemmatum var. furfuraceum Fr. Lundae(1829)
  • Lycoperdon gemmatum var. furfuraceum (Fr.) J. Kickx f. Flandres(1867)
Lycoperdon umbrinum
Information icon.svg
Gleba icon.png Glebal hymenium
No cap icon.svgNo distinct cap
NA cap icon.svg Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable
NA cap icon.svgLacks a stipe
Transparent spore print icon.svg
 Spore print is olive
Saprotrophic fungus.svgEcology is saprotrophic
Mycomorphbox Edible.pngEdibility is edible

Lycoperdon umbrinum, commonly known as the umber-brown puffball, is a type of Puffball mushroom in the genus Lycoperdon . It is found in China, [2] Europe, [3] Africa, [4] and North America. [5]

Contents

Description

This species has a fruit body that is shaped like a top, with a short, partly buried stipe. It is 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2.0 in) tall and 1 to 4 cm (0.4 to 1.6 in) broad. It is approximately the size of a golf ball but may grow to be as big as a tennis ball. Lycoperdon umbrinum is very similar to Lycoperdon molle [6] ; they are so similar that scientists used refer to them with the same name. When looking closer, the density of spines on L. umbrinum are sparser and the spores of L. molle are much larger with a greater density of spines. [7] The spores of L. umbrinum are spherical and either smooth or ornamented [8] with spines and appear olive yellow in KOH. [7]

The fruit body is initially pale brown then reddish to blackish brown, and the outer wall has slender, persistent spines up to 1 mm long. Spores are roughly spherical, 3.5–5.5 µm in diameter, with fine warts and a pedicel that is 0.5–15 µm long. It is uncommon and found mostly in coniferous woods on sandy soils. [9]

The species is considered edible. [5] Be sure to identify properly before eating because it could be confused with the toxic earth ball or deadly Amanita. [10] [11]

Ecology and habitat

This fungus is saprophytic, commonly growing in forests and under conifers. [7] It has also been seen growing in poor quality soil in hardwood and conifer areas. [12] It has been observed growing by itself, dispersed, or many together. [7]

The fruiting period is from June through September. [12] Unlike agarics which have gills that hold spores, when conditions are right, these puffballs will become dry and burst to release their spores. [13] Upon rupturing, they can release trillions of spores.

An interesting characteristic about Lycoperdon umbrinum is that it likely has a mycorrhizal relationship with Pinus patula. [4] One study investigated this relationship and found these species were often growing near each other. Additionally, there were development of branched and finger-like mycorrhizae underneath the L. umbrinum fruiting bodies. [4] This study was done in South Africa where it is common that coniferous plants grown on large scale have this mutualism (and L. umbrinum is one of them).

Edibility and medicinal uses

Lycoperdon umbrinum is edible and has been found to have some medicinal purposes. [12] This mushroom has historically been used by the Mam ethnic group in Mexico. They call it “wutz anim” or “dead’s eye” which they use to keep away the evil eye. They typically prepare it by boiling and eat it by itself or with other plants. This group also uses it against asthma (creating a powder mixed with other plants) and additional uses that seem to overlap with the uses of baby powder. In some parts of the country, there is a mushroom gathering tradition (where these mushrooms are used for food, medicine, religious purposes, or for selling) that the whole family is a part of. [12]

In the lab, L. umbrinum has been found to have significant antibacterial properties [14] and potentially antimicrobial properties. [15] It was found that Aspergillus tamarii (an endophytic fungus) is associated with L. umbrinum through a beneficial mutualistic relation. [14] This fungus, extracted from L. umbrinum has significant antibacterial properties specifically on Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. [14] L. umbrinum was also found to have antimicrobial activities against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). [15] Lycoperdon umbrinum and Trametes versicolor were found to inhibit the MRSA growth to the greatest degree (compared to the other fungi in the study) indicating that these species could hold a new source of antimicrobial properties to fight MRSA. [15]

Although it may have helpful antibacterial and antimibrobial properties, spore inhalation should be avoided. Inhalation of Lycoperdon spp. could cause lycoperdonosis. This is a reaction to inhalation or ingestion of puffball spores which can lead to unpleasant symptoms. [13]  

Nutrients

Lycoperdon umbrinum contains tocopherols with α- and β- isoforms and has high ash content (indicating it has minerals important for nutrition). [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mushroom</span> Spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus

A mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. Toadstool generally denotes one poisonous to humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puffball</span> Fungus

Puffballs are a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that bursts on contact or impact, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores into the surrounding area. Puffballs belong to the division Basidiomycota and encompass several genera, including Calvatia, Calbovista and Lycoperdon. The puffballs were previously treated as a taxonomic group called the Gasteromycetes or Gasteromycetidae, but they are now known to be a polyphyletic assemblage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edible mushroom</span> Edible fungi fruit bodies

Edible mushrooms are the fleshy fruit bodies of several species of macrofungi. Edibility may be defined by criteria including the absence of poisonous effects on humans and desirable taste and aroma. Edible mushrooms are consumed for their nutritional and culinary value. Mushrooms, especially dried shiitake, are sources of umami flavor.

<i>Lycoperdon</i> Genus of fungi

Lycoperdon is a genus of puffball mushrooms. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains about 50 species. In general, it contains the smaller species such as the pear-shaped puffball and the gem-studded puffball. It was formerly classified within the now-obsolete order Lycoperdales, as the type genus which, following a restructuring of fungal taxonomy brought about by molecular phylogeny, has been split. Lycoperdon is now placed in the family Agaricaceae of the order Agaricales.

<i>Calvatia gigantea</i> Species of mushroom

Calvatia gigantea, commonly known in English as the giant puffball, is a puffball mushroom commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. It is found in temperate areas throughout the world.

<i>Lycoperdon perlatum</i> Species of puffball fungus in the family Agaricaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution

Lycoperdon perlatum, popularly known as the common puffball, warted puffball, gem-studded puffball or devil's snuff-box, is a species of puffball fungus in the family Agaricaceae. A widespread species with a cosmopolitan distribution, it is a medium-sized puffball with a round fruit body tapering to a wide stalk, and dimensions of 1.5 to 6 cm wide by 3 to 10 cm tall. It is off-white with a top covered in short spiny bumps or "jewels", which are easily rubbed off to leave a netlike pattern on the surface. When mature it becomes brown, and a hole in the top opens to release spores in a burst when the body is compressed by touch or falling raindrops.

<i>Calvatia craniiformis</i> Species of puffball fungus

Calvatia craniiformis, commonly known as the brain puffball or the skull-shaped puffball, is a species of puffball fungus in the family Agaricaceae. It is found in Asia, Australia, and North America, where it grows on the ground in open woods. Its name, derived from the same Latin root as cranium, alludes to its resemblance to an animal's brain. The skull-shaped fruit body is 8–20 cm (3–8 in) broad by 6–20 cm (2–8 in) tall and white to tan. Initially smooth, the skin (peridium) develops wrinkles and folds as it matures, cracking and flaking with age. The peridium eventually sloughs away, exposing a powdery yellow-brown to greenish-yellow spore mass. The puffball is edible when the gleba is still white and firm, before it matures to become yellow-brown and powdery. Mature specimens have been used in the traditional or folk medicines of China, Japan, and the Ojibwe as a hemostatic or wound dressing agent. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated and identified from the brain puffball.

<i>Apioperdon</i> Genus of fungi

Apioperdon pyriforme commonly known as the pear-shaped puffball or stump puffball, is a saprobic fungus present throughout much of the world. Emerging in autumn, this puffball is common and abundant on decaying logs of both deciduous and coniferous wood. It is considered a choice edible when still immature and the inner flesh is white. It is often called Lycoperdon pyriforme, but was transferred to Apioperdon in 2017 based on phylogenetic and morphological differences. It is the only species in the genus.

<i>Handkea utriformis</i> Species of fungus

Handkea utriformis, synonymous with Lycoperdon utriforme, Lycoperdon caelatum or Calvatia utriformis, is a species of the puffball family Lycoperdaceae. A rather large mushroom, it may reach dimensions of up to 25 cm (10 in) broad by 20 cm (8 in) tall. It is commonly known as the mosaic puffball, a reference to the polygonal-shaped segments the outer surface of the fruiting body develops as it matures. Widespread in northern temperate zones, it is found frequently on pastures and sandy heaths, and is edible when young. H. utriformis has antibiotic activity against a number of bacteria, and can bioaccumulate the trace metals copper and zinc to relatively high concentrations.

<i>Calvatia sculpta</i> Species of puffball fungus in the family Agaricaceae

Calvatia sculpta, commonly known as the sculpted puffball, the sculptured puffball, the pyramid puffball, and the Sierran puffball, is a species of puffball fungus in the family Agaricaceae. Attaining dimensions of up to 8 to 15 cm tall by 8 to 10 cm wide, the pear- or egg-shaped puffball is readily recognizable because of the large pyramidal or polygonal warts covering its surface. It is edible when young, before the spores inside the fruit body disintegrate into a brownish powder. The spores are roughly spherical, and have wart-like projections on their surfaces.

<i>Mutinus elegans</i> Species of stinkhorn fungus

Mutinus elegans, commonly known as the elegant stinkhorn, the dog stinkhorn, the headless stinkhorn, or the devil's dipstick, is a species of fungus in the Phallaceae (stinkhorn) family. A saprobic species, it is typically found growing on the ground singly or in small groups on woody debris or leaf litter, during summer and autumn in Japan, Europe, and eastern North America. The fruit body begins its development in an "egg" form, resembling somewhat a puffball partially submerged in the ground. As the fungus matures, a slender orange to pink colored stalk emerges that tapers evenly to a pointed tip. The stalk is covered with a foul-smelling slimy green spore mass on the upper third of its length. Flies and other insects feed upon the slime which contains the spores, assisting in their dispersal. Due to their repellent odor, mature specimens are not generally considered edible, although there are reports of the immature "eggs" being consumed. In the laboratory, Mutinus elegans has been shown to inhibit the growth of several microorganisms that can be pathogenic to humans.

<i>Lycoperdon echinatum</i> Species of puffball mushroom

Lycoperdon echinatum, commonly known as the spiny puffball or the spring puffball, is a type of puffball mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. The saprobic species has been found in Africa, Europe, Central America, and North America, where it grows on soil in deciduous woods, glades, and pastures. It has been proposed that North American specimens be considered a separate species, Lycoperdon americanum, but this suggestion has not been followed by most authors. Molecular analysis indicates that L. echinatum is closely related to the puffball genus Handkea.

<i>Hygrophorus agathosmus</i> Species of fungus

Hygrophorus agathosmus, commonly known as the gray almond waxy cap or the almond woodwax, is a species of fungus in the family Hygrophoraceae. It was first described by Elias Magnus Fries in 1815; Fries gave it its current name in 1838. A widespread species, it is distributed in the United States, Europe, Africa, and India, and is found growing under spruce and pine in mixed forests. The fruit bodies are characterized by a light grayish cap that measures up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter, waxy gills, a dry stem, and the distinct odor of bitter almonds. An edible but bland-tasting mushroom, extracts of the fruit bodies have been shown in laboratory tests to have antimicrobial activity against various bacteria that are pathogenic to humans.

<i>Enteridium lycoperdon</i> Slime mold

Enteridium lycoperdon, the false puffball, is one of the more obvious species of slime mould or Myxogastria, typically seen in its reproductive phase as a white 'swelling' on standing dead trees in the spring, or on large pieces of fallen wood. Alder is a common host.

<i>Cortinarius praestans</i> Species of fungus

Cortinarius praestans, also known as the goliath webcap, is a basidiomycete mushroom of the genus Cortinarius. The mushroom has orangish-yellow caps that reach up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in diameter, and thick club-shaped stipes up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long. The edible mushroom is found in Europe.

<i>Handkea excipuliformis</i> Species of fungus

Handkea excipuliformis, commonly known as the pestle puffball or long-stemmed puffball, is a species of the family Agaricaceae. A rather large puffball, it may reach dimensions of up to 15 cm (5.9 in) broad by 25 cm (9.8 in) tall. Widespread in northern temperate zones, it is found frequently on pastures and sandy heaths.

<i>Lycoperdon marginatum</i> Species of fungus

Lycoperdon marginatum, commonly known as the peeling puffball, is a type of puffball mushroom in the genus Lycoperdon. A common species, it is found in Europe and North America, where it grows on the ground. It is characterized by the way that the spiny outer layer peels off in sheets.

<i>Scleroderma polyrhizum</i> Species of fungus

Scleroderma polyrhizum, commonly known as the star earthball or dead man's hand, is a basidiomycete fungus and a member of the genus Scleroderma, or "earthballs". Found in dry, sandy soils, this species begins completely buried before slowly forcing the soil aside as it cracks apart to form a rough, star-shaped body with a diameter of 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in). At the center is the dark, brownish spore mass. Widely distributed wherever the soil and climate are favorable, it is known from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

<i>Scleroderma verrucosum</i> Species of fungus

Scleroderma verrucosum is a basidiomycete fungus and a member of the genus Scleroderma, or "earth balls". First described scientifically in 1791, the species has a cosmopolitan distribution, and grows in the ground in nutrient-rich, sandy soils.

<i>Calostoma cinnabarinum</i> Species of fungus

Calostoma cinnabarinum is a species of gasteroid fungus in the family Sclerodermataceae, and is the type species of the genus Calostoma. It is known by several common names, including stalked puffball-in-aspic and gelatinous stalked-puffball. The fruit body has a distinctive color and overall appearance, featuring a layer of yellowish jelly surrounding a bright red, spherical head approximately 2 centimeters (0.8 in) in diameter atop a red or yellowish brown spongy stipe 1.5 to 4 cm tall. The innermost layer of the head is the gleba, containing clear or slightly yellowish elliptical spores, measuring 14–20 micrometers (µm) long by 6–9 µm across. The spore surface features a pattern of small pits, producing a net-like appearance. A widely distributed species, it grows naturally in eastern North America, Central America, northeastern South America, and East Asia. C. cinnabarinum grows on the ground in deciduous forests, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with oaks.

References

  1. ↑ Kew Mycology (2015). "Species Fungorum". Species Fungorum.
  2. ↑ Zhishu B, Zheng G, Taihui L (1993). The Macrofungus Flora of China's Guangdong Province (Chinese University Press). New York: Columbia University Press. p. 692. ISBN   962-201-556-5.
  3. ↑ Jordan M. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Fungi of Britain and Europe. London, UK: Frances Lincoln Publishers. p. 358. ISBN   0-7112-2378-5.
  4. 1 2 3 Marais, L. J.; Kotzé, J. M. (1977-03-01). "Notes on Ectotrophic Mycorrhizae of Pinus patula in South Africa". South African Forestry Journal. 100 (1): 61–71. Bibcode:1977SAfFJ.100...61M. doi:10.1080/00382167.1977.9629436. ISSN   0038-2167.
  5. 1 2 Miller HR, Miller OK (2006). North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi. Guilford, Connecticut: FalconGuides. p. 455. ISBN   978-0-7627-3109-1.
  6. ↑ Kew Mycology (2015). "Species Fungorum". Species Fungorum.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Lycoperdon umbrinum (MushroomExpert.Com)". www.mushroomexpert.com. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
  8. ↑ Cortez, VG; Baseia, IG; Silveira, RMB (2013). "Gasteroid mycobiota of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Lycoperdon and Vascellum". Mycosphere. 4 (4): 745–758. doi: 10.5943/mycosphere/4/4/11 . ISSN   2077-7019.
  9. ↑ Ellis JB, Ellis MB (1990). Fungi without Gills (Hymenomycetes and Gasteromycetes): An Identification Handbook. London, UK: Chapman and Hall. p. 239. ISBN   0-412-36970-2.
  10. ↑ Edible and poisonous mushrooms of the world. Ian R. Hall, New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Limited. Christchurch, N.Z.: Crop & Food Research. 2003. ISBN   0-478-10835-4. OCLC   55624760.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  11. ↑ Freisen, M.; Pringle, A.; Callan, B.; Leathern, A. (2005). "Amanita phalloides heads north". Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology. 43 (6): 761–762 – via Google Scholar.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Arias, F.G.; Gallegos, R. H.; Sánchez, J.E. (2014). "Ethnomycology in the "Tacaná Volcano Biosphere Reserve," Chiapas, Mexico". Proceedings of 8th International Conference on Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products (ICMBMP8), New Delhi, India, 19–22 November 2014. 1 & 2: 98–107 – via ICAR- Directorate of Mushroom Research.
  13. 1 2 Diaz, James H. (March 2018). "A Puff of Spores". Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 29 (1): 119–122. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2017.08.004 . ISSN   1080-6032. PMID   28964695.
  14. 1 2 3 Ogbole, O. O.; Adebayo-Tayo, B. C.; Salawu, K. M.; Okoli, V. C. (March 2017). "Molecular Identification and Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Aspergillus tamarii (Trichomaceae)".{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  15. 1 2 3 Ogbole, Omonike Oluyemisi; Adebisi, Ponmile; Segun, Peter Adekunle (2019-10-07). "Medicinal mushrooms with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) inhibitory activity". Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources. 16 (1): 41. doi:10.4314/jpb.v16i1.5. ISSN   0189-8442. S2CID   208585448.
  16. ↑ Pereira, Eliana; Barros, Lillian; Martins, Anabela; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R. (January 2012). "Towards chemical and nutritional inventory of Portuguese wild edible mushrooms in different habitats". Food Chemistry. 130 (2): 394–403. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.07.057. hdl: 10198/6235 . ISSN   0308-8146.
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