Dibrugarh: A team from the Longding Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) recorded a rare yellow puffball mushroom during a routine field visit to Zedua village on June 4. The specimen, notable for its bright yellow, globe-shaped fruiting body, was tentatively identified as Bovista colorata by KVK plant pathology expert Dr Deep Narayan Mishra. If confirmed, this could be one of the earliest documented sightings of the species from Longding district and an important addition to Arunachal Pradesh’s fungal records.
“A preliminary review of available literature suggests that documented records of this species from Longding district are currently lacking. This observation may represent a potentially valuable addition to the known macro-fungal diversity of Arunachal Pradesh,” Dr Mishra said, adding that microscopic examination and molecular characterisation will be needed for definitive taxonomic confirmation.
Puffballs such as Bovista differ from typical cap-and-gill mushrooms. Instead of releasing spores from gills, they enclose millions of microscopic spores within a spherical fruiting body; as the fungus matures the interior becomes a powdery spore mass that is dispersed by wind, rain or disturbance. Ecologically, Bovista species act as decomposers-breaking down woody plant material, aiding nutrient and carbon cycling, and contributing to soil organic matter.
Young puffball species are known to contain protein, fibre, essential amino acids, minerals and antioxidants, and some studies report bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential. Historically, puffball spores have also been used in certain cultures as a wound-dressing due to moisture-absorbing and clotting properties. Experts caution, however, that wild mushrooms should never be eaten without expert identification, since some toxic immature fungi can closely resemble edible puffballs.
The discovery highlights the Eastern Himalayas’ rich but under-documented fungal biodiversity. Researchers called for systematic surveys, herbarium documentation and DNA barcoding of wild macro-fungi in the region. The Longding KVK said the specimen will be forwarded for further scientific study.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/rare-yellow-puffball-mushroom-spotted-in-arunachals-longding/articleshow/131595473.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-06-09 00:04:00
