At the base of a Wellingtonia tree. 13 October 2009 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. Common Name Collared Earth Star Fruiting Body Initially onion shaped, the outer skin splits at the apex and folds back into 5 to 7 arms, to reveal a ball shaped sack containing the spores which it releases through an apical opening, or peristome, in the thin outer skin. The peristome has a ragged edge, and is surrounded by a distinct ring. The outer skin often splits giving rise to a platform or collar around the base of the spore sack. The fungus grows to about 15 cm across. Flesh Whitish Smell Indistinct Taste Indistinct Season Late summer to autumn Distribution Frequent Habitat In deciduous woods, less commonly in coniferous woods, favouring humus rich soil Spore Print Yellow brown to dark brown Microscopic Features Spores spherical, warty (4.5-5.5) µm across Edibility Inedible Notes This is one of the most common earth stars. Old fruit bodies often persist into winter and the following year. 
13 October 2009 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
13 October 2009 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
Note the collar around the spore sack. 13 October 2009 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
13 October 2009 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
8 October 2006 Buckinghamshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. |