False Shaggy Mane

Often thought of as a ‘stalked puffball’, this fungus is not closely related to the ‘puffballs’.¹

With it distinctive appearance, the fungus is commonly found in deserts and arid regions of Australia.²

It can be found growing up to 15 cm high, made up of a woody stem (about 2-5 cm) and large, long shaped cap, that protects the blackish tissue, bearing the spores.

The cap varies in colour from white to yellow-brown or tan colour. The outer skin typically breaks into a ‘shaggy’ fibrils.
 

The fungus was used by many desert Aborigines for decorative purposes, with the spores brushed onto the body. It was used by many desert tribes to darken the white hair in the old men's whiskers¹. As well, children would use it in play, from body painting, to sometimes drawing patterns or pictures on hard ground, or to imitate ritual leg slashing carried out by adults during mortuary ceremonies³.

The northern Warlpiri tribe are reputed to use the spores from the fungus as a fly repellent.³