Woodland gem-studded marvels

It’s 47 years ago today that I first noted down Common Puffballs in my nature notebooks.

Lycoperdon perlatum - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

The tiny gem-like spikes on the Common Puffball, Lycoperdon perlatum, shown in my pencil drawing, are fascinating. They fall off with any slight touch, leaving a reticulated pattern of pock-marks, like scars.

Lycoperdon perlatum - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There are dozens here, and they’re very young with pure white flesh. They’ll be amazing sliced, coated in beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs, and fried for my tea. It would be rude not to.

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