| Species name | Calvatia gigantea |
| Common name | Giant puffball |
| Peridium (exterior) | 10-80cm across, subspherical (irregular), tapering down into stout base, outer peridium white and smooth/leathery, peeling away to a darker shiny cream inner peridium which cracks irregularly |
| Gleba (interior) | Firm and white > olive and powdery |
| Mycelia | Mycelial strands connect fruiting body to substrate |
| Growth form | Small tufted groups |
| Spore colour | Olive-brown |
| Spore features | Spherical, finely warted |
| Habitat | Grassland, glades, lawns, P-rich soil |
| Season | Summer-autumn |
| Distribution | Widespread, common |
| Identifying feature | Large size |
| Similar species | None |
Irish Grassland Fungi 