Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Rounded Earthstar
Geastrum saccatum
-2.15, -77.69
Field Notes
Description:
This Earth Star was about 5 cm from point to point. The color was light brown with a dark circle around the single pore in the top. G. saccatumis distinguished from other Earthstars by the distinct circular ridge or depression surrounding the central pore. It was empty, having already sent it's spores out. When I touched it it seemed loose, but looking at the bottom, one can see a white spot where the strands of mycelia (rhizomorphs) at the base of the fungus attached it to the piece of wood. this is another identifying feature of G. saccatum, it's buttons are only attached to the ground in one place (foto #4).
Habitat:
This was found in permanent shade (700 masl) on a slowly rotting hardwood branch lying on the ground in the Amazon rainforest of SE Ecuador.
Notes:
In the foto you can see another round brown bulb next to this Earthstar. It appeared to be a young one. I wasn't able to check on it for a couple weeks and by then it was gone. I did find another Earthstar very similar to the first a few meters away. It doesn't sound like this Earthstar is rare, but it was a highlight for me. I had seen a foto of one just the day before or I might not have even recognized it as it was partially hidden.
Comments (2)