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
If you care to see more Pictures
click on a thumbnail to enlarge
f_Earthstar_161
|
f_Earthstar_162
|
f_Earthstar_163
|
f_Earthstar_164
|
f_Earthstar_165
|
f_Earthstar_166
|
f_Earthstar_167
|
f_Earthstar_168
|
f_Earthstar_169
|
f_Earthstar_170
|
f_Earthstar_171
|
f_Earthstar_172
|
f_earthstarS14
|
f_earthstarS15
|
f_earthstarS16
|
f_earthstarS17
|