The puffballs are members of the artificial group called the gasteromycetes, or stomach fungi. Their spores are contained inside and are released through a tiny hole in the top by means of rain, wind, animals or insects. Other gasteromycetes include the false puffballs (Scleroderma and Pisolithus), stalked puffballs, bird’s nest fungi, earthstars, and stinkhorns. Except perhaps Calostoma, a stalked puffball, none are mycorrhizal. Lyco in Greek means ‘wolf’ Perdon means ‘ to break wind’ therefore a common name is Wolf’s fart. Pyriforme means ‘pear-shaped’ Lycoperdon perlatum grows on the ground, the other on decaying wood. Both are edible when white inside. They shouldn’t be confused with Scleroderma citrina or a death angel button. You also want to be cautious about breathing in large amounts of spores. Several years ago students from Wisconsin were told the spores were hallucinogenic. They inhaled so many that they germinated in their lungs and grew Hyphae. They were given anti-fungal drugs and their respiration returned to normal. 056-001