Species details
Sessile earthstar
Geastrum fimbriatum
Inedible
Photo: Bjorn Sothmann · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo source · License
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Description
A smaller earthstar with 5–9 or more pale-brown rays and a sessile inner spore sac with a fringed, poorly delimited opening.
Identification features
The initially underground spherical fruitbody opens into several rays. The grey-brown spore sac sits directly on the rays and has a fibrous, fringed opening.
Identification checklist
Check the smaller size, absence of a collar and the sessile spore sac with fringed opening.
How to separate similar species
Geastrum triplex has a distinct fleshy collar. Geastrum rufescens has reddish-brown rays that often crack transversely.
Habitat
Grows in mixed and coniferous woodland on litter, needles and calcareous soils, mainly in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October