How do puffballs release their spores?

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Two Amanita pantherina mushrooms with brown caps covered in white spots grow among moss and fallen leaves. — fungus A pair of panther cap mushrooms (*Amanita pantherina*). Closely related to the death cap mushroom (*Amanita phalloides*), the panther cap is highly poisonous.

Puffballs release their spores through a passive mechanism. These fungi produce their spores internally within a spherical fruiting body known as a basidiocarp. Once the fruiting body reaches maturity, its internal tissues become dry and powdery. When these tissues are physically disturbed—such as by raindrops, wind, or contact with animals—the spores are ejected in visible puffs.1