Rayed Earthstar Geastrum quadrifidum Pers. (illustrated 50% life size) Fruit body opening to 0.5–3cm across, outer wall splitting into 4–8 pointed rays which bend strongly downwards, the tips adhering to a basal membranous cup in the substrate as in G. fornicatum. Spore sac lead-grey, opening by a central pore above a pallid, conical mouth, on a stalk 1.5–2.5mm long, which forms a ridge-like collar below. Spores 3.5–5¼ in diameter, globose, warted. Spore mass brown. Habitat in coniferous woods; autumn. Rare, vulnerable on Red Data List. Not edible.
