Weathered Earthstar

Weathered earthstars are saprotrophic fungi whose outer peridium splits into star-like rays that curve backwards to elevate the central spore sac off the forest floor. These rays are hygroscopic, curling inward over the spore sac during dry conditions and opening outward when rehydrated to facilitate wind and raindrop spore dispersal. Typically emerging in late summer and autumn among leaf litter or sandy soil, their dried, papery fruiting bodies can persist for months after the spores have dispersed.