earthstar

Types:

Geastrum coronatum

an earthstar with a bluish spore sac and a purplish brown gleba; at maturity the outer layer splits into rays that bend backward and elevate the spore sac

Astreus pteridis

the largest earthstar; the fruiting body can measure 15 cm across when the rays are expanded

Astreus hygrometricus

a common species of earthstar widely distributed in sandy soil; the gleba is a pale tan

Type of:

fungus

an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter; ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia