Lycoperdon
Lycoperdon
Lycoperdon (pronunciation: /laɪˈkɒpərdɒn/), also known as the puffball mushroom, is a genus of puffball mushrooms within the family Agaricaceae. The term "Lycoperdon" is derived from the Greek words "lykos" meaning wolf and "perdon" meaning to break wind, a reference to the cloud of spores these fungi release when mature.
Etymology
The name "Lycoperdon" was first used in the 18th century and is derived from the Greek words "lykos" (λύκος), meaning "wolf", and "perdon" (πέρδων), meaning "to break wind". This name is a reference to the cloud of spores that puff out of the mushroom when it is mature and disturbed, much like a wolf breaking wind.
Species
There are approximately 50 species of Lycoperdon recognized worldwide. Some of the most common species include:
- Lycoperdon perlatum - Also known as the common puffball or the gem-studded puffball.
- Lycoperdon pyriforme - Also known as the pear-shaped puffball or the stump puffball.
- Lycoperdon umbrinum - Also known as the umber-brown puffball.
Usage
Lycoperdon species are generally considered edible when young and the inner flesh is still white. They have been used in traditional medicine for their supposed healing properties, particularly in the treatment of wounds and burns.
Related Terms
- Mycology - The study of fungi.
- Spore - A unit of sexual or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavorable conditions.
- Agaricaceae - A family of fungi, containing several well-known edible species, such as the common button mushroom.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lycoperdon
- Wikipedia's article - Lycoperdon
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski