Thursday, October 02, 2008

This Calvatia was gigantea!


I could probably hollow this out and move in.  This was three feet from the bikepath.  Hundreds of middle school kids probably walk past this thing every day: it's a miracle it survived.

Puffballs (Calvatia gigantea) are actually decent eating when they're baseball-sized or smaller.  This one would taste like moldy sawdust.  In other words, add enough garlic and it would be edible.

I put a quarter on it for a size reference.  As I said, it's a big one.  But they get bigger.  And apparently they can be used as airbags.  Only in Wisconsin...

Mycologically submitted,

  Canoelover

P.S.  This is my 300th posting on my blog.  That's either really cool or really pathetic.  If I were putting this energy into my book I'd be done with two by now.  Maybe I am in some way.


4 comments:

Silbs said...

Kudos on the 300th posting. You are either dedicated or have OCD.
I enjoy your combination of science and musing. Here's to another 300. Heck, here's to the next 1000.

mk said...

Hey! There's a quarter on that thing! I never find quarters-- only pennies. Did you take the quarter with you?

canoelover said...

I always carry a quarter for scale. I should carry a loonie for our Canadian friends.

mk said...

Yeah, no kidding, eh?