0 a large, white, round fungus that can be eaten
1 a skirt that has a rounded shape because it is gathered (= pulled together in folds) in at the bottom
The puffballs are edible when the interior gleba is still firm and white.
Eventually, the puffballs explode into a fine powder compared to cotton candy.
Mature puffballs release their powdery spores through the ostiole when they are compressed by touch or falling raindrops.
Nutritional analysis indicates that the puffballs are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and several micronutrients.
The distinguishing feature of all puffballs is that they do not have an open cap with spore-bearing gills.
From the mycelia the fungi is able to throw up its fruiting bodies, the visible part above the soil (e.g., mushrooms, toadstools, and puffballs), which may contain millions of spores.
Historically, it had been assumed to be saprobic, due to its taxonomic uncertainly, and presumed relatedness to other saprobic fungi like the stalked puffballs and the earthstars.
At maturity, the entire fruit body may become detached from the ground, and the spores spread as the puffball is blown around like a tumbleweed.
