Podaxis pistillaris – Black Powderpuff

On the ground. A common and persistent fungus in arid and semi-arid areas. This club-shaped puffball consists of a papery, elongated cap on a rigid, woody stem. The cap is white with shaggy scales, often with patches of brown and black. At maturity it splits and falls away to expose a brown-black spore mass.

Generously sponsored by Helen Aston