Sphaerobolus
Common ball Schneller ( Sphaerobolus stellatus )
The ball Schneller ( Sphaerobolus ) is a fungal genus in the family sphere Fast relatives ( Sphaerobolaceae ). In Europe is the only species of the congregation ball faster (p. stellatus ).
Features
The fruiting bodies of the ball quicker, 1-2 mm in size. In such a single spore mass, the gleba or Peridiole is formed. It contains two types of spores: mononuclear, thick-walled and thin-walled basidiospores prolonged asexual spores ( Gemmae ) with two or more cores. The fruiting body usually occur in groups of dozens of copies. They are initially spherical and whitish to orange-yellow. At maturity, the outer shell bursts open star-shaped and gives the matt translucent ball with the spore mass inside free. Once the outer shell has fully opened, the inner envelope inside out suddenly to the outside and throws the ball spores up to several meters away.
Species
Worldwide, the genus includes three species - all other described taxa are considered as synonyms. In Europe, only Sphaerobolus stellatus is native.
Ecology
Ball Fast saprobiontische are residents of rotten wood of all kinds but also of rotting herb stalks and other plant debris.
Dissemination
The ball quicker form a cosmopolitan genus in both North and South America, Europe, Asia ( including Japan ), Australia, New Zealand. In Central Europe the ball quicker ( Sphaerobolus stellatus ) occurs frequently. However, it is so small that it is easily overlooked.
Importance
The ball Faster be considered as the only mushrooms, " can be heard " because the sudden firing of the spore ball is done with such energy that the impact can be heard on an obstacle. For the same reason one should protect his eyes while looking at the mushrooms.