Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as giant puffball, is a species of edible mushroom that belongs to the family Agaricaceae. It is a large mushroom that can grow up to 100 cm in diameter and is white in color.
There are a number of synonyms for calvatia gigantea, including Lycoperdon giganteum, Calvatia maxima, and Megacalvatica gigantea. These names are used interchangeably depending on the taxonomy system being used by the author.
Giant puffballs are highly sought after by mushroom hunters due to their size and edibility. They can be sliced and fried, or used in soups and stews. However, it is important to be cautious when consuming wild mushrooms as some species can be toxic or even deadly. It is always recommended to seek the advice of an experienced mycologist or to purchase mushrooms from a reputable source.