JungleDragon is a nature and wildlife community for photographers, travellers and anyone who loves nature. We're genuine, free, ad-free and beautiful.

Join

Hygroscopic earthstars (Astraeus hygrometricus) Crackled rays on a pair of plain earth-stars. Each was about 70mm across with rays open.<br /> Found under a stand of very old (introduced) Pinus radiata in a thick bed of pine needles. <br /> These are not related to the &#039;true&#039; earthstars (Geastrum) Hygroscopic because it can respond to humidity by opening and closing it&#039;s rays. Astraeus hygrometricus,Australia,Geotagged,Winter Click/tap to enlarge Species introCountry intro

Hygroscopic earthstars (Astraeus hygrometricus)

Crackled rays on a pair of plain earth-stars. Each was about 70mm across with rays open.
Found under a stand of very old (introduced) Pinus radiata in a thick bed of pine needles.
These are not related to the 'true' earthstars (Geastrum) Hygroscopic because it can respond to humidity by opening and closing it's rays.

    comments (2)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Nice find! How large are they roughly? Posted 9 years ago
    1. View Mark Ridgway's profile
      Mark Ridgway
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Oops I don't usually forget sizes. :) Posted 9 years ago

Sign in or Join in order to comment.

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 Mark Ridgway
View Mark Ridgway's profile

By Mark Ridgway

All rights reserved
Uploaded Mar 15, 2016. Captured Aug 25, 2013 14:56 in 90 Hilton Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787, Australia.
country flag of Australia Explore Australia 13,072 4,173 3
  • DSC-HX30V
  • f/4.0
  • 1/60s
  • ISO200
  • 9.16mm
Captured in the winter. More winter photos.

This photo also appears in

Discover more photo collections