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Project Noah Nature School
Sphaerobolus stellatus
This fungus, 1–3 mm in diameter, is called "cannonball fungus" because it discharges the spores with explosive force, reaching distances over 2 meters. Discharged spore sacs are brown coloured and sticky and have a tendency to strongly adhere to whatever surface they encounter. Pics 1 and 2 show young specimens. Pic. 3 shows a mature specimen before ejection. Pics. 4 and 5 show specimens after the ejection. In picture 6 a single peridiole (spore casing) after ejection (left upper corner) can be seen.
On a fallen pine tree twig. Pine forest
Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/60 sec.; f/32; ISO Speed Rating: 200. Focal Length: 90.0 mm. Flash fired
Spotted on Jan 14, 2013
Submitted on Feb 5, 2013
10 Comments
Thanks Jakubko, I am flattered. It is very nice from you
Congratulations, Angel! Your extreme fungi were featured in my blog, "It's Life - unique abilities for unique organisms" today!
http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/4414706...
Thanks auntnance123
Thanks Cindy!
Amazing.
Wow! That's a really cool video.
Thanks Jakubko! They are really tiny, 1-2 mm in diameter, but real shot put champion as it is able to throw the spores ball meters away.
Here is a video of the amazing shot technique.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_nQdKrL4...
I agree with J!
How interesting! What an awesome little fungus!
I just changed the first picture