Bovista

Bovista is a genus of fungi in the family Agaricaceae, comprising several species of puffball mushrooms. Members of this genus form dry, globose to ovoid fruit bodies that are usually sessile or have only a short stalk. The outer surface (peridium) can be smooth and white to brownish, and it encloses a spore-bearing interior (gleba).

Inside, the gleba is initially white and homogeneous, then gradually darkens to olive-brown as spores mature. At maturity the peridium splits or develops an opening, allowing the dusty mass of brown spores to be dispersed by wind. Spore production is typical of puffballs, with release through openings rather than through a gilled cap as in other mushrooms.

Habitat and ecology: Bovista species are saprotrophic, growing on mineral soils in a variety of environments. They are commonly found in grassy areas, meadows, pastures, lawns, and woodland clearings. They occur worldwide, with fruiting tied to seasonal moisture and temperature conditions.

Identification and classification: Bovista was traditionally treated as a broad group of puffballs, but modern taxonomy places it in the family Agaricaceae alongside related puffball genera. Distinguishing Bovista from similar puffballs can require careful examination of morphology and sometimes microscopic features; accurate identification is important for foraging and study, as some white or pale puffballs from other genera can be mistaken for edible Bovista fruit bodies.

Edibility and safety: Some Bovista species are edible when the interior gleba is white and uniform, before spore maturation. Caution is advised, however, since edible material depends on correct identification and misidentification with inedible or toxic puffballs can occur.