Thursday, 09 February 2012

Daisy Earthstar

Facts
Common Name: 
Daisy Earthstar
Scientific Name: 
Geastrum floriforme
Typical Size (mm): 
10-20mm
Information
Description: 

This fungus can br found at any time of the year but is rare in the U.K. It consists of a flattened sphere, which holds the powdery gleba with which the spores are distributed. A hole on the top of the 'bulb' releases the spores when the wind blows across it. The sphere is mounted on a star-shaped base that looks rather like the petals of a daisy.

Habitat: 

Prefers sandy soil where it can be found growing singly or in groups.

Additional Notes: 

When fully expanded the rays of the earthstar more than double it’s diameter. The number of  rays is very variable.