You would not be wrong if you came across this fungi on a trail in southern Europe and thought you’d found a ‘truffle’. I certainly did when I first saw it and although one of its several names is Bohemian truffle, it’s more common name is ‘Dyeball or Earthball Fungus’ (Pisolithus arrhizus). Unlike real truffles, this fungi should not be ingested at all – the only food aspect that it is good for is for plant food to aid root growth and that’s it! However, historically one thing this fungus has been known to be useful for is as a natural black material dye, hence the name. As it matures this fungus will become soft and papery, before eventually splitting open to release its spores. As well as in southern Europe, they can also be found in other parts were they sometimes have more colourful names such as ‘Dead Man’s Foot’ and ‘Dog Turd Fungus’ – I can’t think why!
