Dusky puffball

Description:

The fertile head is 2 to 4 cm across, and 2 to 3.5 cm tall. Pear shaped and the surface background is initially pale brown turning mid to dark brown, covered in dark-brown spines 1 to 2 mm long. The spines fall off at maturity leaving a mottled, smooth surface. An apical pore opens, through which spores are released when either raindrops hit the mature puffball or a breeze blows across the pore hole. Stems are 1 to 2 cm tall and typically 1.5 cm in diameter; colour as the fertile head but with shorter spines. The aged fruitbody turns very dark.

Habitat:

The dusky puffball is widespread across most of Europe but tends to be localised by its habitat needs. This species is also recorded in North America. Mainly found under conifers and oaks in woodlands but also in grass on heathland.

Notes:

Spotted in Nieuwe Rande Forest in rural area of Deventer, Holland.