Barometer Earthstar

Barometer Earthstar Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) Morgan syn. Geastrum hygrometricum Pers. (illustrated 50% life size) Fruit body 1–7cm across, globose; outer wall ochraceoustan to dark brown, splitting into 6–15 pointed rays on maturity when moist, closing and becoming hard and leather-like when dry. Spore sac 1–3cm across; pallid to dark greyish; thin, papery, opening by a slit or tear forming an irregular pore. Spores 7–10.5¼ in diameter, globose, finely warted. Spore mass cocoa-to cinnamon-brown at maturity. Habitat on dunes or sandy soil in woods, developing just below surface, becoming exposed at maturity; autumn, but persisting in good condition for up to a year. Uncommon, vulnerable on Red Data List. Not edible.