T & W S., Lake Wendouree.

This is a fungus known – because of its appearance – as horse-dropping fungus. It is mostly found in autumn and spring and seen more often on timbered roadsides than in other places.

A member of the puffball group of fungi, its spores are released as the structure of the puffball disintegrates. The powdery mass of spores is exposed to wind and rain and the spores disperse.

The tarry black colour is the result of bruising. Unbruised specimens are light brown mottled with black. It has a yellow stain, which affects most objects it touches.

The fungus grows rapidly and can push up through hard, compacted surfaces.