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Aug 28, 2008: Xanthosoma mexicanum
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Erigeron peregrinus subsp. callianthemus var. callianthemus
Aug 29, 2006:
Trail to Botanical Beach
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Cypella herbertii
February 24, 2007 : Phellorinia herculanea (tentative)
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Keywords: Phelloriniaceae | Phellorinia herculanea (Pers.) Kreisel | near Port Augusta, South Australia
Many thanks to Georgie Sharp@Flickr for once again sharing a photograph with us (original image via Flickr BPotD Group Pool). This is part of Georgie's photo set from the Outback.
If you read the comments on the original Flickr image, you'll note that this fungus was tentatively identified as Phellorinia herculanea by Pam Catchside of the Plant Biodiversity Centre in Hackney, South Australia. Browsing the very few photographs of this genus online, it seems these fruiting bodies are not yet fully mature, hence the difficulty in confirming their identity. At maturity, they should be more club-shaped. The tops of these fungi will eventually produce a powdery mass of spores.
The Aboriginal Use of Fungi page from the Australian National Botanic Gardens notes that Phellorinia herculanea was used for body decoration.
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at February 24, 2007 6:38 AM
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Comments
Posted by: Ola at February 24, 2007 8:36 AM
Great community shot.
Reminds me of how the skunk cabbage emerges in our area.
Not at all for similarity of course, but how the scattered growth emerges together in an area.
Thanks for the submission.
Posted by: Mario Vaden at February 25, 2007 12:20 AM
You forgot the important information, How does it taste?
Posted by: Big Al at February 25, 2007 12:49 PM
Considering the Aboriginal uses didn't include food, I suspect it's not edible. Though called a puffball, it isn't closely related to puffballs.
Posted by: Daniel Mosquin 
at February 25, 2007 12:59 PM
thanks for sharing. I just discovered this site and look forward to regularly checking in as well as browsing what is here. great photos.
Posted by: farmer burns at March 4, 2007 6:56 AM
I think this is not Phellorinia herculeana, but immature fruitbodies of Podaxis pistillaris by their shape and peridium. Great Photo, though.
Posted by: Matthias at July 17, 2008 9:11 AM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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Incredible photo