Dye-maker's False Puffball - longitudinal section

A cut lengthwise from the top to the bottom of the puffball reveals inside a series of egg-like spore sacs embeded in a blackish jelly.  Maturation of the spores is first observed at the top and gradually works towards the stalk producing masses of brown powdery spores that are carried off by the wind currents.  Fresh or dried mushrooms are used to make a rich golden-brown to black dyes. Photo by Laurel Woodley