Synonyms: Geaster coronatus, Geaster minus, Geastrum minus, Lycoperdon coronatum.
Common names: rayed earthstar, Four-rayed Earthstar.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Geastrum quadrifidum, commonly known as the rayed earthstar or four-footed earthstar, is an inedible species of mushroom belonging to the genus Geastrum, or earthstar fungi. First described scientifically by Christian Hendrik Persoon in 1794, G. quadrifidum is a cosmopolitan—but not common—species of Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. The fungus is a saprobe, feeding off decomposing organic matter present in the soil and litter of coniferous forests.
Arabic: نيجمة رباعية الأرجل, Czech: Hvězdovka smrková, Finnish: Neulasmaatähti, Lithuanian: Keturskiautis žvaigždulis, Polish: Gwiazdosz czteropromienny, Russian: Звездовик четырёхлопастный, Swedish: Fyrflikig jordstjärna.
Geastrum quadrifidum is a species of earthstar fungus characterized by its four-armed, star-like appearance when mature. It has a rounded, brown to tan-colored body with a short, stout stem and a mouth that is often split into four distinct rays. In East and Central Texas, Geastrum quadrifidum typically fruits in the fall, often growing in clusters on the ground in wooded areas with rich soil and abundant leaf litter. The fungus can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, and is commonly associated with trees such as oak, beech, and pine. Specimens from this region usually range in size from 2-6 cm in diameter and have a distinctive, earthy odor.
Arched earthstar mushrooms Geastrum quadrifidum or may be G. fornicatum near Lost Pines Loop Trail in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2021
Park Rd 1C, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Dry arched earthstar mushrooms Geastrum quadrifidum or may be G. fornicatum near Lost Pines Loop Trail in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2021Park Rd 1C, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Dry arched earthstar mushrooms Geastrum quadrifidum or may be G. fornicatum near Lost Pines Loop Trail in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, January 21, 2023Lost Pines Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Spores of arched earthstar mushrooms Geastrum quadrifidum or may be G. fornicatum collected in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, January 21, 2023Observations of Geastrum quadrifidum in East and Central Texas revealed the presence of arched earthstar mushrooms near Lost Pines Loop Trail in Bastrop State Park. On February 28, 2021, fresh specimens were found, while on the same date, dry specimens were also observed. Another observation on January 21, 2023, showed dry arched earthstar mushrooms, suggesting that the species can persist in a desiccated state. Spores of the mushrooms were collected on January 21, 2023, which could aid in further identification and study. The observations suggest that Geastrum quadrifidum may be G. fornicatum, indicating a possible need for further taxonomic clarification. The species appears to thrive in the park's environment, with multiple sightings over two years. The dry specimens observed on different dates indicate the fungus's ability to survive in a dry state.
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