Lycoperdon pratense

803_3446 [Lycoperdon pratense]

This mushroom is common and widespread throughout mainland Europe.
It is often found in small groups in pastures, at the sides of roads and generally in grassy areas.
It appears in Autumn as a whitish small ball (20-50 mm) or sometimes it takes a pear-like shape.

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on October 11, 2018
 

 803_5636 [lycoperdon pratense]

The part of the ball that touches the ground is a characteristic of this species.

Photographed at Kaisariani on November 11, 2019
 

803_3538 [Lycoperdon pratense]

In maturity the outside of the ball becomes almost smooth, yellowish or oil-brown.

Photographed at Kaisariani on October 14, 2018

802_9283 [Lycoperdon pratense]

The mass inside the ball looks like a white sponge but as the mushroom matures it turns into fine brown spores.

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on June 21, 2017

803_5635 [Lycoperdon pratense]

The spores disperse through an opening at the top in order to ensure the perpetuation of the species. [See video below.]

Photographed at Kaisariani on November 11, 2019

video

Fruits in captivity

IMG 2803 [Fruits in captivity]

Photographed in Volos on May 01, 2005

S. Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

803-240 [SNFCC pano]

The new Greek Cultural Center in Athens, with its ease of access, beauty, diversity, novelty and tens of other reasons, offers itself as an irresistible photographic spot. Ideal, I might say, for amateur photographers who would like to experiment and improve their skills. One of my favorite spots!
 
On this spot, I often spend some relaxing time shooting panoramas. Occasionally, repeating the ones that failed! Why not? It’s free, enjoyable and educating! The above rectilinear panorama resulted from stitching 17 vertical pictures.
 
Photographed in Athens on October 02, 2019.
 

803_0286 [SNFCC pano]

 This is also a composition of 17 pictures but processed in a way that would produce a cylindrical panorama. I had never tried this process before but I thought the series of trees might yield an interesting result. So, I gave it a try.
 
Photographed in Athens on September 26, 2017.

Please click on both pictures to have a better view.