Pisolithus arenarius |
Found mid-August. Pine and oak trees present. Sand and gravel soil; Morgan- Monroe State forest. This interesting fungus produces tiny spore sacks (peridioles) within the fruit body. These spores sacks disintegrate as the fungus matures and spores are released as the fruit body also disintegrates. Note fibrous rhizomorph (root-like structure). Other names misapplied to this fungus are Pisolithus tinctorius, an illegitimate name and Pisolithus arhizus, a European species. |
The round spores of Pisolithus arenarius have curved spines and measure 7-12 µ. |
This is a mycorrhizal fungus that develops a symbiotic relationship with plants and trees. Can grow to 20cm across, much larger than the examples shown here. |
Described at MushroomExpert.Com |