DSC_2335 Earthball (Schleroderma citrinum) a hard lump containing a solid mass of purplish spores. At maturity the purple spore powder is released by the skin flaking from the top, to form a ragged crater with lobes that curl outwards (as shown here). Sometimes called Stone fungus, or Pigskin poison puffball. Waipori Gorge *
DSC_2117 Hotlips puffball (Calostoma rodwayi) a small puffball raised up on a pseudostem of fused, branching gelatinous strands. Distinctive raised bright orange-red lips draw attention to this otherwise overlooked forest litter fungus and Rod witnessed a male South Island robin pecking at the red lips of these particular fungi several times, before losing interest. Bealey Chasm, Arthurs Pass *
DSC_2119 Hotlips puffball (Calostoma rodwayi) a small puffball raised up on a pseudostem of fused, branching gelatinous strands. Distinctive raised bright orange-red lips draw attention to this otherwise overlooked forest litter fungus and Rod witnessed a male South Island robin pecking at the red lips of these particular fungi several times, before losing interest. Bealey Chasm, Arthurs Pass *
