fungal genus family genus containing widely distributed species known common names giant pasture tough roughly spherical shaped like fruit bodies grow diameter initially covered thick whitish layer develop characteristic skin age internal spore mass firm white edible individuals suffer mild symptoms eating spores mature turns yellowish brown spores released eventually splits open irregularly shaped sections consists spherical dark brown spores rounded surfaces branched fibers form long like spines grows ground prairie desert habitats widely distributed commonly encountered threatened species europe taxonomy species originally described second volume attributed authorship french botanist discovered field town northern france synonyms include published published species given current genus contain generic synonyms von new family containing type genus molecular study supported inclusion traditionally placed recent analysis shown sister group authors agreed decision regard genus separate family despite taxonomic authorities prefer fold commonly known tough giant pasture published variety var south_america subspecies described colorado species historically named transferred genera usually including species reclassified poorly known authority index considers species currently valid description fruit body usually grows diameter extremes reported shape ranges roughly spherical egg shaped pear shaped somewhat persistent initially covered thick whitish layer continuous eventually cracks away thin exposing nearly smooth light brown dark pinkish brown surface tough layer tissue measures thick maturity opens irregular splits eventually extend base star shaped manner torn segments turn inside drying rigid exposing felt like internal surface white young cheesy appearance consistency matures undergoes process involving water loss subsequently olive brown finally dark olive dry develops characteristic smell fruit bodies grow underground different morphology smooth chocolate brown coloured surface lacks patches characteristic ground fruit bodies spines fungus edible white odor taste described taste spores spherical measuring surface irregular coarse refers late thick walled cells main axes branched cells thick covered numerous spines deep red reddish orange clearly distinguishing coloring main subspecies var extremely uses edible firm white reportedly consumed tribal people mexico large collection consumed people confused species genus containing popular edible members ate fungus symptoms including symptoms large european bird great recorded feeding thick outer withstand hard blows breaking children replacements balls mexico throat lung purported anti properties maturation manner splits open described 19th century american mycologist thick mature remains months splitting alternating cycles drying develop usually common center near fruit body finally produce irregular star like teeth time entire upper half open exposed dry weather condition spores blown wind widely distributed rainy spell promptly closes open dry weather returns alternate opening closing split finally expanded flat shape backward outer layer comprises cells arranged wet water expand closing drying outer cells lose water gradually shrink producing unequal tension outer inner cells tension causes irregular star like pieces gradually separate curve outward opening dry weather ecology distribution saprobic species consuming dead organic debris usually found fruiting ground singly scattered rings clusters grow underground fruiting occurs low elevations groups open habitats dominated grassy wet areas dry prairie reported habitats include old mature fruit bodies broken loose attachment substrate rolled wind similar species frequently encountered suggested grows locations seldom visited useful indicator species climate change widely distributed recorded africa asia china india iran south_america argentina chile north_america australia new_zealand europe found southern scandinavia widespread south continent reported scotland appearance british mainland grassland habitat found heavily eroded unsuitable future appearances species threatened species europe listed vulnerable regional red list poland north_america common western regions united_states canada recorded eastern canada poorly known mexico recorded baja california mexico_city variety var occurs tropical asia caribbean south_america
Mycenastrum