Collared Earthstar

Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex Jungh. (illustrated (f) life size) Fruit body 3–5cm across and bulb-shaped at first, opening to 5–10cm across; outer wall splitting into 4–8 pointed rays, covered in a thick, pinkish-brown, fleshy layer which cracks as the rays bend back under the fruit body, leaving the spore sac sitting in a saucer-like base. Spore sac sessile; pale grey-brown with a paler ring around the slightly raised mouth. Spores 3.5–4.5¼ in diameter, globose, warted. Spore mass dark brown. Habitat amongst leaf litter in deciduous woods; late summer to autumn. Frequent, perhaps the most common member of the genus in Britain. Not edible. Note field photograph (g) by Geoffrey Kibby.