Mosaic Puffball - Handkea utriformis

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    Description

    The species derives its common name 'Mosaic Puffball' from the mosaic pattern across the top and sides that develops as the fruiting body matures and the outer wall breaks up into polygonal patches. Young specimens are usually 6 to 12 cm across.

    Identification difficulty
    Habitat

    Grassland

    When to see it

    Autumn

    UK Status

    Widespread throughout Britain though seldom common.

    VC55 Status

    Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

    be our species champion

    • David Nicholls
      Altar Stones
      28 November 2013
    • David Nicholls
      Altar Stones
      28 November 2013
    • Graham Calow
      Sapcote
      09 May 2010
      Spent fruiting bodies
    • Steve Mathers
      Jubilee Way (Stathern to Terrace Hills)
      06 October 2017
      Detail of mosaic

    Leicestershire & Rutland Map

    MAP KEY:

    Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
    Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

    UK Map

    • Graham Calow
      Sapcote
      09 May 2010
    • Steve Mathers
      Jubilee Way (Stathern to Terrace Hills)
      06 October 2017
      mosaic texture