The Garden Community for Garden Lovers
 

I have observed semi spherical (dia 3,4 inch), spongy, mushroom like plant in my garden. It looks like raised from soil only.

Pl help me identify this plant.

Is this host? Should i keep as it is or remove?
What's the use of this?

Thanks in advance for your guidelines.



Img_20140724_083913

Answers

 

From your description it is the fruiting body of a fungus called the puffball mushroom. Its existence results in the breaking down of decaying plant and animal materials. It is of no use from the human point of view, though if it could talk, it could probably give you many reasons of its own for existing in the world of nature. If it were in my own garden it would be a welcomed guest.

24 Jul, 2014

 

Thanks for the quick response.

As far as it is not harmful to my other plants, I am good on this.
My concerns is it growing at faster growth.
How bigger it can grow?

Refer attached image.

24 Jul, 2014

 

I have seen them as large as a football in the 'wilds' of Yorkshire. As mentioned they are no threat to your garden plants. as it ages it will darken to a buff beige colour and as it dries out the outer skin will split and the spores will 'puff' out like smoke, hence its name. They complete their mushroom growth in about 1 week to 10 days.

24 Jul, 2014

 

In the local park we had one that was bigger than a football, although some kids had already used it as a football... they are a splendid mushroom in my eyes!

24 Jul, 2014

 

Thanks all, for sharing your views.

24 Jul, 2014

 

There are lots of this sort of fungus but most are brown. As far as I know there are several edible white ones. If yours gets very big its a treasure and you are in luck because they are absolutely delicious fried with bacon. (What a waste to play football with them Catty!) I've never tried a small one as I couldn't guarantee getting it right but Seaburngirl knows what she's talking about.

24 Jul, 2014

 

I may be wrong according to a response on the other question.

24 Jul, 2014

 

I know Stera, I did get the smaller one there which was roughly the size of my head :)

25 Jul, 2014

 

Lucky you!

25 Jul, 2014

How do I say thanks?

Answer question

 


Not found an answer?