Studies of Disciseda (Gasteromycetes) in Colorado

SUMMARY

The following observations have been made on a species of puffball in the genus Disciseda collected in Colorado:

1.	The 180° vertical rotation of the fruiting body in situ was confirmed;
2.	Variations in morphology and development of the fruiting body were noted and compared with accounts in the literature;
3.	Rupture of the sporophore appeared to occur fortuitously rather than by development of a stoma;
4.	No true rhizomorphs could be demonstrated. The species is tentatively called Disciseda subterranea until further studies can be made.

A theory is proposed to account for the unusual behavior of this unique little puffball.