Morganella pyriformis

Morganella pyriforme, commonly known as the pear-shaped puffball, is a saprobic fungus present throughout much of the world. Emerging in autumn, this puffball is common and abundant on both deciduous and coniferous decaying logs. Until 2003, the pear-shaped puffball was treated in the genus Lycoperdon, but was separated after DNA analysis suggested the previous grouping was polyphyletic. Morganella species grow on wood and have rhizomorphs, which further separates them from Lycoperdon. It is considered a choice edible when still immature and the inner flesh is white.^[1][2]

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Taxonomy

Prior to 2003, the pear-shaped puffball was known as Lycoperdon pyriforme. In 2001, DNA evidence compiled by Dirk Krüger and a number of other mycologists indicated that the genus Lycoperdon was polyphyletic, with the pear-shaped puffball differing most significantly from the group. This finding was supported by several morphological differences including the presence of rhizomorphs and its preference for wood. A 2003 publication of further research moved the puffball to the genus Morganella with the specific epithet's ending changed for agreement.^[1] The specific epithet is Latin for "pear-shaped".

Description

The fruiting body of the pear-shaped puffball measures 1.5 to 4.5 cm in width by 2 to 4.5 cm in height. They are often pear-shaped as the name suggests, but they may also be nearly spherical. When very young they are covered in small white spines that typically fall off before maturity. A small developing pore may be visible at the top, while the sterile base of the mushroom is small and appears to be pinched in. Colour ranges from nearly white to yellowish brown with the darker shades developing with age. The central pore ruptures at late maturity to allow the wind and rain to disperse the spores. The base is attached to the wood by means of rhizomorphs (thick, cord-like strands of mycelium).^[1][2]

The gleba, or inner spore mass, is white when young, but it becomes greenish-yellow to dark olive-brown with age. The spores measure 3 to 4.5 µm and are round, smooth and a dark olive-brown in colour.^[2]

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