The Giant Puffball

The Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea) is a unique and fascinating species of mushroom. It is a massive, round or oval-shaped mushroom that can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in diameter and weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). It has a white to pale yellowish-brown, smooth and firm outer skin, and its flesh is white and spongy. The spore-bearing surface is located inside the mushroom and is a soft, powdery mass that is initially white but eventually turns olive brown.