Wild Florida Photo

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GLAUCOUS GULL

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Deltona, Fl

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BAROMETER EARTHSTAR

These mushrooms have a center that resembles a puffball, surrounded by rays that clasp and surround the spore sac in dry weather, then open in response to rain, giving it the common name of barometer earthstar.

Widespread in North America, often in sandy soil near conifers. Frequently found in large groups.
The spore sac is felty-rough, nearly round, 1-3 cm (3/8 - 1-1/4in.), whitish, then becoming gray to brown, with a small irregular opening at the top. The spore sac is covered by a grayish-brown skin that splits into six to twelve lobes, opening in wet weather into star-like rays 2.5-5 cm (1 - 2in.) long. These rays curl under to hold the spore sac aloft above the ground, then close in dry weather.
Astraeus hygrometricus is one of several species in the single genus making up the Astraeaceae family. The classification above that has been going through changes, and varies from source to source. There is another genus of earthstars - Geaster - that is placed in a different family and order.
This earthstar was photographed following a night of rain.

Wild Florida Photo is a photographic collection of flora, fauna and other subjects found in Florida by Paul Rebmann, a self-taught naturalist. All photographs on this site are copyrighted and are available for other use by prior arrangement. Although great care is taken to correctly identify the various species, errors may occur.
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