Pisolithus arhizus


Pisolithus arhizus, commonly known as the dead man's foot, dyeball, pardebal, or Bohemian truffle, is a widespread earthball-like fungus.

Description

The fruiting body is tall and wide, with a thin yellow-brown to brown exterior layer. The spores are brown.
Dictyocephalos attenuatus is similar.

Uses

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. It is inedible.

Culture

In South Africa, it is known as the pardebal, and in Europe, it is known as the Bohemian truffle.