Sphaerobolus

Sphaerobolus
Sphaerobolus stellatus
Scientific classification
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Sphaerobolus

Tode (1790)
Species
S. ingoldii
Geml, D.D. Davis & Geiser (2005)
S. stellatus
Tode (1790)
Sphaerobolus sp. on Elwha Watershed, WA USA

Sphaerobolus is a genus of fungi in the family Geastraceae. Commonly known as the "shotgun fungus", "artillery fungus" or "cannonball fungus", species discharge their spores with explosive force. Discharged spore sacs are sticky and have a tendency to strongly adhere to whatever surface they encounter, making them a nuisance to homeowners, pressure washing contractors, landscape mulch producers and insurance companies.[1][2]

  1. ^ Lehman R (1985). "Black spots on houses—an insect or disease problem?". Penn Dept Agric Bur Pl Ind, Reg Hort. 11: 15–16.
  2. ^ Brantley EA, Davis DD, Kuhns L (2001). "Biological control of the artillery fungus, Sphaerobolus stellatus, with Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis"". Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 19: 21–23. doi:10.24266/0738-2898-19.1.21.