Shooting Star

Shooting Star Sphaerobolus stellatus Tode (illustrated life size) Fruit body 1.5–2.5mm across, initially globose and whitish, becoming more ochraceous and splitting above into 5–9 minute orange-coloured rays. Peridiole brownish ball, projected up to 4.5m, dispersing the spores by the sudden reversal of the receptacle, which then appears as a translucent white sphere sitting on the star-shaped outer wall. Spores 7.5–10×3.5–5¼, oblong; white to yellowish. Habitat on sticks, sawdust, dung, and other organic debris; autumn. Common. Not edible.