Sarcosoma globosum | Earthball

General Mycological Information

• Scientific Name: Sarcosoma globosum

• Common Names: Earthball mushroom, beefsteak mushroom

• Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests

• Native Region: Found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America

• Growing Season: Spring and early summer

Recognizing Sarcosoma globosum

• Shape: Spherical or pear-shaped, often partially buried in the ground.

• Color: Brown or reddish-brown, with a gelatinous interior.

• Spore Print: White.

Edibility and Toxicity

• Edible: Sarcosoma globosum is edible but not commonly eaten due to its tough texture and gelatinous interior.

• Caution: It is important to be absolutely certain of identification before consuming any wild mushrooms, as some look-alikes can be poisonous.

Interesting Facts

• Texture: The interior of Sarcosoma globosum is gelatinous and can be quite firm.

• Culinary Uses: It is sometimes used in soups or stews, but it is not a popular edible mushroom.

• Similar Species: There are several other Sarcosoma species that can look similar to Sarcosoma globosum. It is important to have a thorough understanding of mushroom identification before foraging for them.

Sources for Further Reading

• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcosoma_globosum