Hygroscopic Earthstar (Astraeus hygrometricus)

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

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Such an attractive species, I'm not at all jealous! Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Haha! Thank you, Ferdy! I get so excited about these. This one was in the same spot as the last, so I hope they keep spreading spores so I can get earthstar surprises every week :D Posted 4 years ago

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

Gorgeous! Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you, Ruth! 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