A true puffball is a type of fungus that produces a round, ball-like fruiting body filled with spores. It is important to use the correct terms when discussing this type of fungus, as there are several similar-looking species that are not true puffballs. Synonyms for true puffball include Lycoperdon perlatum, the common puffball, which is the most widely distributed and familiar of the puffball species. Other synonyms include Calvatia gigantea, the giant puffball, and Lycoperdon pyriforme, the pear-shaped puffball. It is important to properly identify these species as they can be edible, poisonous, or even deadly if consumed incorrectly.