As the sporongia mature, the indusium shrivels so that spore release is unimpeded.

Heavy rainfall (which increases fungal spore release) is associated with increased hospital admissions of children with asthma.

The genus Polytrichastrum was separated from Polytrichum in 1971 based on the structure of the peristome (which controls spore release).

Dehiscence is accompanied by the release of clouds of spores resembling dust; the characteristic shape of the unopened fruit body, as well as the smoky spore release give the fungus its common name "Devil's cigar".

The swelling of the paraphyses is believed to cause the expansion of the hymenium and subsequent splitting of the fruit body into rays; this development places the asci into an optimal position for spore release and dispersal.

As with most Bovista, the spore release through the small apical pore.

As the fruit body matures, the gills darken to cinnamon brown following spore release.

Other fungi, like the puffballs, rely on alternative mechanisms for spore release, such as external mechanical forces.

It is unknown if there is a stimulus involved with spore release.

Fruit bodies change their geotropic response three times during their development, which helps ensure that the teeth ultimately point downward for optimum spore release.