Geastrum triplex

[cervinae]

Well the better half's father mentioned there were Collared Earthstars down on the reserve near where we are in Gateshead (a place I've not explored despite 3 years up here). I'd never seen them before despite their common nature so I set out with my camera and the dog (border collies are not conducive to photographing fungi). And I found them... quite a number but most heading to the far end of photogenicness (is that even a word?). They were under hawthorn and dead elder in amongst nettles (I really need to start wearing nettle proof clothing) in the leaf litter (there also seemed to be a moderate amount of horse/pony manure that had been deposited by the hand or shovel of man in the area)

Anyway, enough waffling, here's the pics

Unopened


Various states






Regards, David

[suep]

Just joined this site, as I found 3 of these beautiful Funghi in my garden this afternoon. I have an area of the garden which has a lot of grasses and bamboo in it and these were found when I was clearing the dead leaves away. The soil is good quality topsoil and compost from my own composting bin. Have never seen anything like them before and found the site to be so informative.
SueP

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by suep

Just joined this site, as I found 3 of these beautiful Funghi in my garden this afternoon. I have an area of the garden which has a lot of grasses and bamboo in it and these were found when I was clearing the dead leaves away. The soil is good quality topsoil and compost from my own composting bin. Have never seen anything like them before and found the site to be so informative.
SueP

welcome to WAB Sue

any chances of some photographs? as there are several species they could be

best wishes

Chris

[fairplay]

Welcome to WAB from me too Sue.

As Chris says, there are other species of 'Earthstar' yours could be, some of them being quite rare, so that is why, if you can manage it, we would like you to post us some good close up photos please, especially of the spore sac and little stalk (if visible) which supports it.

Neil.

[suep]

Thanks for the welcome, unfortunately I don't have any photos but of the photos on the thread (above my post) they were identical to the one in the second photo of those listed, hope that makes sense! will have a look for some more in the area and see if I can post some pics.
Sue

[fairplay]

If they did not develop a collar as in the third photo, then your Earthstars could easily be a different species.

Neil.