Dyeball (Pisolithus arhizus)

At the disturbed edge of a mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon COunty), US. Growing near roots of downed trees.

And the proper spelling for is P. arhizus. Not sure why wikipedia has the misspelling :)

comments (13)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Gorgeous! It's described as so common and widespread, but I've never heard of it.
PS: corrected the spelling, thanks for reporting. Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! I can vaguely remember seeing these as a child. I haven't seen them since then, however!
  
  I'm probably going to attempt to dye cloth with these too! Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

So awesome!! Great find :) Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Christine! <3 Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    The colors remind me of The Kiss by Klimt. Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      Oh my goodness! One of my absolute fave pieces of art! I agree completely! Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I love it too. Did you know that Klimt used gold leaf in that painting? Posted 7 years ago
    3. Barry
      
      Lion
      
      Not just the colors, but the mosaic-like structure as well. That is a great painting! Posted 6 years ago

Mark Ridgway

Lion

Doesn't that section look great.
Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Mark! It was a much welcome surprise! Posted 7 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

From today's JungleDragon Facebook post:

"Art in nature! Does it resemble a rock, fine art, adipose tissue, or dog feces? Is it "ugly" or gorgeous? Dyeballs (Pisolithus arhizus) have many odd common names including dead man's foot, horse dung fungus, bohemian truffle, and dog turd fungus. To appreciate their beauty, you must look beyond their exterior because when sliced open, dyeballs display a stunning mosaic pattern. These fungi have many incredible traits that deserve admiration! First, as the word "dyeball" implies, the black, viscous goo found inside the fungus can be used to dye wool. Second, dyeballs are mycorrhizal fungi that form strong symbiotic relationships with numerous plants, including over 40 tree species. They form these relationships at the root level to facilitate nutrient exchange. Basically, the fungus extends the root system of the plant and supplies it with water and nutrients. In exchange, the plant gives photosynthesized sugars to the fungus. Mycorrhizal associations improve soil fertility and increase plant health. In fact, most plants have these associations, and many cannot thrive without them. The mycorrhizal fungi are like underground benefactors! In any ecosystem, fungi (along with bacteria) drive diversity and account for more biological activity than any other organisms, which is what makes the Earth a living planet. Finally, dyeballs are useful in restoration and reforestation efforts because they can grow in poor conditions that other fungi could not tolerate. Dyeballs are truly a superhero among fungi: a super-mycorrhiza. {Spotted in Georgia, United States by JungleDragon moderator, Lisa Kimmerling} #JungleDragon" Posted 6 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  <3 <3 <3 Posted 6 years ago

nightjar6

Lion

looked like butterfly.... Posted 7 months ago

The Dyeball

"Pisolithus arhizus" is a widespread earth-ball like fungus, which may in fact be several closely related species. It is known in Australia as the horse dung fungus and in Europe as the Bohemian truffle. This puffball's black viscous gel is used as a natural dye for clothes. "Pisolithus arhizus" is a major component in mycorrhizal fungus mixtures that are used in gardening as powerful root stimulators.

Info 6 0

Similar species: Boletales

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling