Leopard earthball fungus (Scleroderma areolatum(?)) on a lawn in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 29, 2017
Pamyatnik Politekhnikam, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 195251Common name: leopard earthball.
Russian names: Lozhnodozhdevik pyatnistyy, Lozhnodozhdevik panternyy, Skleroderma leopardovaya.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Scleroderma areolatum is a basidiomycete fungus and a member of the genus Scleroderma, or "earth balls."
Scleroderma areolatum is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Sclerodermataceae. It is characterized by its globose to subglobose basidiocarps, which are 2-6 cm in diameter, with a thick, hard peridium and a powdery, yellowish-brown gleba. In St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, and north-western Russia, Scleroderma areolatum has been found growing in coniferous and mixed forests, often associated with sandy or podzolic soils. The fungus typically fruits from July to October, with a peak in August and September. It is considered a rare species in the region, but can be locally common in suitable habitats.
Leopard earthball fungus (Scleroderma areolatum(?)) on a lawn in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 29, 2017Pamyatnik Politekhnikam, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 195251
Dissected leopard earthball fungus (Scleroderma areolatum(?)) on a lawn in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 29, 2017Pamyatnik Politekhnikam, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 195251
Leopard earthball fungus (Scleroderma areolatum(?)) near a memorial in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 29, 2017Pamyatnik Politekhnikam, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 195251
Earth ball mushrooms Scleroderma areolatum in a park of Polytechnichesky Institute (Technical University). Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 2, 2017Politekhnicheskaya ul., 29к2, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 194021
Leopard earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma areolatum)(?) in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 13, 2017Pamyatnik Politekhnikam, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 195251
Dissected leopard earthball mushroom (Scleroderma areolatum)(?) in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 13, 2017Politekhnicheskaya ul., 29к12, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 195251
Leopard earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma areolatum(?)) in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 23, 2024Russia, Saint Petersburg, Академическое, 194064, Политехническая Улица 29п
Leopard earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma areolatum) on rotting wood in Tarkhovka Park, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 2, 2024Песчаная улица, Тарховка, Сестрорецк, Санкт-Петербург, Северо-Западный федеральный округ, 197706, Россия
Leopard earthball mushrooms (Scleroderma areolatum) and Mycena viridimarginata in Tarkhovka Park, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 2, 2024Песчаная улица, Тарховка, Сестрорецк, Санкт-Петербург, Северо-Западный федеральный округ, 197706, РоссияObservations of Scleroderma areolatum in Leningrad Oblast and north-western Russia reveal the fungus grows in various locations, including lawns, parks, and near memorials. It was found in Gardens of Polytechnic Institute, Saint Petersburg, on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2024. The fungus was also spotted in Tarkhovka Park, west of Saint Petersburg, growing on rotting wood and alongside Mycena viridimarginata. Dissections of the fungus were made to confirm its identity. The observations suggest that Scleroderma areolatum is present in urban and natural areas of the region, with a preference for certain environments. The repeated sightings in the same locations over several years indicate a possible established presence of the species in the area. The fungus was observed during summer months, specifically in July and August.
Russian web-forums Planeta Gribov, V Kontakte, and Griby Sredney Polosy for learning names of local mushrooms.
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