The fungus seen here is growing on a decaying pile of wood. The common small puffball mushroom is not an unusual sight, but the captured image of spores bursting forth makes a pleasing photo. Even after the winter's cold and days of being covered in snow, this little group of puffballs is still viable. I have been aware of this small group of puffballs since early last spring and now into March, they are still emitting spores.

Puffballs do not just magically appear during autumn. They appear in spring as clusters of little round white mushrooms with soft cream cheese-like insides. An educated mushroom connoisseur will know that at this stage this little puffball is edible. Others of us may unwittingly wait til autumn to know the value of seeing the surprise of a youngster discovering a puffball exploding beneath his shoe for the first time.

When mature or ripe the puffball will develop a hole on the end farthest from its root. From this small hole and upon the slightest tap, small smokelike spores will burst into the air. I've watched raindrops cause this eruption. It is the natural intent of the puffball that something like a passing deer's foot, a turtle, a boy or even strong wind will play a vital role in spreading their spores.

Puffballs are one of nature's soil-producing machines that break down dead wood and turn it into dirt, which plants can use for their growth. It has been estimated that more than 10 million spores may be produced by a single puffball.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo.