Claustula

Notes

Although related to the stinkhorns, the fruiting body of this fungus appears to be truffle-like. Initially a reddish brown, globose ball, it splits at maturity to reveal the white, spore-containing ‘egg’. About 5 cm diameter.
This is the only species of the genus Claustula, and is known from only two locations in New Zealand, as well as in Tasmania. In both countries it is listed as threatened, in New Zealand as Nationally Critical by Department of Conservation. It is probably ectomycorrhizal on beech and/or tea-tree.

 

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Images		NZFungi Entry

Claustula fischeri
A Critically endangered species.