Earthstar
family Geastraceae
genus Astraeus







Geastrum saccatum is the earthstar most commonly featured in field guides--probably because it is widely distributed and common. It is a small but beautiful mushroom that features a round spore case sitting atop a star with 4-9 arms.
From MushroomExpert.com -- Click Here for more

The fruit bodies of several earthstars are hygroscopic: in dry weather the "petals" will dry and curl up around the soft spore sac, protecting it. In this state, often the whole fungus becomes detached from the ground and may roll around as a tumbleweed does. When the weather dampens, the "petals" moisten and uncurl and some even curl backward lifting the spore sac up. This then allows rain or animal movement to hit the spore sac so it will puff out spores when enough moisture is present for them to germinate.
From Wikipedia -- Click Here for More


Underside

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