Local name: Phawang Gogo

Edibility: Edible when young.

Habitat: On plant debris and fertile soil and solitary or scattered to gregarious.

Description: Fruit bodies: Globose, white when very young and shaped like a pear with age, yellowish brown at maturity, some appearing elongated toward the base, 2-6cm wide and 3-8 cm tall. The surface is ornamented with white conical spines when young and brownish-yellow with age, which discards in maturity and leaves a scar surrounded by small warts, which together give a reticulated appearance. At maturity the fruit bodies develop a central perforation through which spores are liberated. Flesh: Solid and white when young, dusty and dark brown with age (due to the spores). Spore Print: Dark brown.

Comments: This species is reported as edible but in early stages of development. The collectorsshould be careful as there are other similar puffballs that are not edible. This species was used in North America as a wound healing agent and is used for the same proposes here in Bhutan by the rural people and in traditional medicines.