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.
Habitat
Grows in mixed and coniferous woodland on litter, needles and calcareous soils, mainly in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October
Ecology
- Soil
- Calcareous
- Notes
- Grows in mixed and coniferous woodland on litter, needles and calcareous soils, mainly in summer and autumn.
How to separate similar species
Geastrum triplex has a distinct fleshy collar. Geastrum rufescens has reddish-brown rays that often crack transversely.