Q:Β I found the mushroom in the attached photo on my Amado property last weekend, its about 8-inches tall and under a mature 25-foot native mesquite tree. Do you know what kind of mushroom it is?
A:Β According to University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Plant PathologistΒ Barry PryorΒ it is Battarrea phalloides, known as the desert stalked puffball. Although it is relatively uncommon, it is seen yearly in various places.
In the U.S. it may be found in the Southwestern states and Hawaii. Its habitat includes dry sandy soils and it is associated with certain plants including Opuntia species such as prickly pear cacti. It is inedible and can grow to 15 inches in height.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Email: plwarren@cals. arizona.edu
