Hygroscopic Earthstar (Astraeus hygrometricus)

At a disturbed dense mixed forest edge (under a piece of plywood).

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

I still have never found one! The pattern on this one is awesome! Posted 4 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Agree, incredible specimen, Lisa! Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    Thank you both so much! I was very excited to see this one. This was also a first for me. I've seen many earthstars, but nothing in this genus. Posted 4 years ago

Calbost Niel

Lion

Wow!

Niel Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! I had the same reaction when I found it! Posted 4 years ago

The Hygroscopic earthstar

"Astraeus hygrometricus" is a species of fungus in the Diplocystaceae family. Young specimens resemble a puffball when young and unopened. In maturity, the mushroom displays the characteristic earthstar shape that is a result of the outer layer of fruit body tissue splitting open in a star-like manner.

Info 6 0

Similar species: Boletales

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling