Synonyms: Bovista cisneroi, Calvatia candida, Lycoperdon rubroflavum.
Common name: Orange-staining Puffball.
Calvatia rubroflava is a species of puffball fungus characterized by its reddish-orange to yellowish-orange color, spherical to pear-shaped fruiting body, and medium to large size, typically ranging from 3-8 cm in diameter. In East and Central Texas, it can be found growing in fields, meadows, and open woods, often in sandy or clay soils, during the summer and fall months. The fungus is considered edible when young and immature, but caution is advised due to potential confusion with other species. It has been documented in various counties throughout the region, including Brazos, Grimes, and McLennan counties.
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 6, 2013
Old orange-staining puffball mushroom (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 6, 2013
Orange-staining puffball mushroom (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in bushes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 6, 2013
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) on a nature trail in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 22, 2017
Orange-staining puffball mushroom (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Lemontree Park. College Station, Texas, November 8, 2017
Orange-staining puffball mushroom (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) on a trail in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 8, 2017
Dissected young orange-staining puffball mushroom (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 8, 2017
Orange-staining puffball mushroom (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 16, 2017
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 18, 2017
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) on floodplain together with wild citrus fruits of Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, October 6, 2018
Yellow-staining puffball mushrooms Calvatia rubroflava (Calvatia rugosa) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 31, 2020
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) together with chanterelle on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, July 3, 2020
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 15, 2020
Wrinkled surface of orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava, Calvatia rugosa) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 15, 2020
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 19, 2020
Mature orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 19, 2020
Orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava) in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, June 3, 2021
Cross section of orange-staining puffball mushrooms (Calvatia rubroflava) in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, June 3, 2021
Yellow-staining puffball mushrooms Calvatia rubroflava (Calvatia rugosa) under oaks and Yaupon in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 8, 2021Multiple observations of the fungus Calvatia rubroflava were made in East and Central Texas between 2013 and 2021. The mushrooms were found in various locations, including Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Bee Creek Park, Lemontree Park, Sam Houston National Forest, Lick Creek Park, and Hensel Park. They typically appeared on trails, in bushes, or on floodplains, often near trees such as oaks and Yaupon. The mushrooms were observed at different stages of maturity, with some displaying a wrinkled surface or being dissected to reveal their interior. Some observations noted the presence of other fungi, like chanterelle, nearby. The mushrooms were found during various months, including October, November, May, July, and September, indicating a potential extended fruiting period for Calvatia rubroflava in this region.
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