Spore Dispersal: Puffballs begin their life cycle as microscopic spores, which are released into the air from mature puffballs. These spores are dispersed by wind, animals, or insects and can travel long distances.
Germination: Under favorable conditions of temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability, the spores germinate and grow into hyphae. Hyphae are thread-like structures that form a network of mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the fungus.
Mycelial Growth: The mycelium of puffballs spreads and grows underground or on organic substrates like decaying wood or soil. During this stage, the fungus absorbs nutrients from its surroundings and prepares for the next phase of its life cycle.
Fruiting Body Development: As the mycelium reaches maturity, it starts to form small, round structures called primordia. These primordia gradually develop into the characteristic spherical or pear-shaped fruiting bodies known as puffballs.
Spore Formation: Inside the puffballs, the hyphae differentiate into specialized structures called basidia. Basidia are responsible for producing and releasing spores. As the puffballs mature, the spores ripen and fill the interior of the fruiting bodies.
Spore Release: When the puffballs are fully mature, they become fragile and rupture, releasing millions of spores into the surrounding environment. The cycle repeats itself as the dispersed spores germinate and develop into new puffball fruiting bodies.
It's important to note that the specific details of the puffball life cycle may vary among different species of puffballs, but the overall pattern remains the same.