Sessile Earth Star fungus (Geastrum fimbriatum)

These are puff-balls of which the outer tunic splits into a star-like pattern, so the scientific name "Geastrum" which translates as "earth star" is well chosen. There are 16 British species, six of which have been found in Cornwall whilst a further two have been recorded only in the Isles of Scilly. The one illustrated here, the sessile earth star Geastrum fimbriatum, is fairly common throughout its range and distinctly rare in Cornwall, perhaps because it is favoured by calcareous soil. It was recorded by Malcolm Lee at Portgaverne where the two specimens were growing under a blackthorn hedge on 3rd November 2000.

Once the sac of spores is exposed, their dispersal depends on rain drops hitting the sac, each hit being followed by the expulsion of a little puff of spores. The dried remains often persist for many months, so one or other of the species might be found at any time of year.

Reports of any of the species are worth recording, as are their smaller relatives, the bird’s nest fungi.

Paul Gainey

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