Onion earthball
Scleroderma cepa
A species of Earth balls.
The onion earthball belongs to the tough-skinned puffball lineage, a category of fungi characterized by their generally rounded, puffball-like shape, but distinguished by a robust exterior. For the onion earthball specifically, this outer layer frequently cracks, lending the mushroom a fractured look. Another notable feature is the sharp divergence between its skin, typically a light white or yellow, and its internal spore mass, which is almost black. Onion earthballs are toxic.
Attributes of Onion earthball
Scientific Classification of Onion earthball
Toxicity and Edibility of Onion earthball
Is Onion earthball Toxic?
The unassuming bulbous mushroom of the forest floor, the onion earthball (Scleroderma cepa), poses a deceptive danger due to its resemblance to desirable Puffballs. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, only individuals with extensive knowledge of mushroom identification should attempt to definitively identify any Puffball.
