Stump Puffball Fungi Lycoperdon Pyriforme Releases Its Spores Stock Photo

Lycoperdon pyriforme, commonly known as the pear-shaped puffball or stump puffball, is a saprobic fungus present throughout much of the world. Emerging in autumn, this puffball is common on decaying logs of both deciduous and coniferous wood. It is considered a choice delicacy when still immature and the inner flesh is white. A small developing pore may be visible at the top, while the sterile base of the mushroom is small and appears to be pinched in. This central pore ruptures as the fungus matures to allow the wind and rain to disperse the spores, as shown here.