A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Pisolithus sp. (most likely P. marmoratus)
Reasonably large puffball-like fungus, during (or after) spore dispersal. Approx 6 - 8 cms in diameter. No obvious spore hole. Scales apparent (2nd photo), and the top looks fibrous. Only one specimen found. I returned to this spotting later in the day for better light. Another common name used in Australia is "Dog Turd Fungus". That name still has me giggling. This species is quite often confused with Pisolithus arrhizus (syn. P. tinctorius), but Pisolithus marmoratus is the most likely species to be found in southeast Queensland. P. arrhizus would be my second ID choice.
Spotted on a trail in native bushland, in Brisbane Forest Park. Area generally dry but leaf litter in more shaded areas still reasonably moist. Direct sunlight in afternoon only. Mushroom growing in soil and leaf litter at the base of a northern grey ironbark eucalypt.
These PDF's give detailed info on P. marmoratus, and Pisolithus in SEQ - http://qldfungi.org.au/wp-content/upload... http://www.fungimap.org.au/newsletters/N...