Species details
Striate earthstar
Geastrum striatum
Inedible
Photo: Lukas from London, England · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo source · License
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Description
A small earthstar with a distinctly striate spore sac, a small collar at its base and a grooved opening.
Identification features
The fruitbody opens into about 5–7 pale rays. The spore sac is raised on a short neck, with a characteristic collar below and a longitudinally grooved opening above.
Identification checklist
The key combination is the striate opening, short neck and small round collar at the base of the spore sac.
How to separate similar species
Geastrum fimbriatum lacks such a distinct neck and collar, and its opening is fringed and poorly delimited.
Habitat
Grows in woods, gardens and parks beneath various broadleaved and coniferous trees, mainly in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October