New Zealand Fungi and Lichens

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DSC_2333 Earthball (Schleroderma citrinum) a hard lump containing a solid mass of purplish spores, and considered poisonous (right). At maturity (left) the purple spore powder is released by the skin flaking from the top, to form a ragged crater with lobes that curl outwards. Sometimes called Stone fungus, or Pigskin poison puffball. Beech forest, Waipori Gorge *

DSC 2333 Earthball Schleroderma citrinum Pigskin poison puffball hard lump purplish spores purple spore powder Stone fungus Silver beech forest Waipori Gorge