Extract from Wikipedia article: Geastrum saccatum, commonly known as the rounded earthstar, is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Geastrum. It has a worldwide distribution and is found growing on rotting wood. It is considered inedible by mushroomers because of its bitter taste. It is a common mushroom, but collections are at their peak during late summer. The opening of the outer layer of the fruiting body in the characteristic star shape is thought to be due to a buildup of calcium oxalate crystals immediately prior to dehiscence. G. saccatum is distinguished from other earthstars by the distinct circular ridge or depression surrounding the central pore. In Brazil, its common name translates to "star of the land".
Earth star mushroom (Geastrum saccatum) on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 3, 2013 State Park Rd 40, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Earth star mushroom (Geastrum saccatum) on Kirby Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve. Kountze, Texas, August 2, 2014 1618 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Earth star mushroom Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Group of earth star mushroom Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Immature earth star mushrooms Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 30, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Young earth star mushrooms Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 30, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Earth star mushrooms Geastrum saccatum in a pine forest on Lone Star Hiking Trail south from Stubblefield Campground in Sam Houston National Forest. Huntsville, Texas, October 13, 2018 Walk In Camp Sites, Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Earth star mushroom (Geastrum saccatum) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, October 21, 2018 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Earthstar mushroom Geastrum saccatum on rotting wood in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, June 26, 2019 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA
Rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) on rotting wood on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 7, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Relatively small earthstar mushrooms Geastrum saccatum on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 7, 2020 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Rounded earthstar mushroom (Geastrum saccatum) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, June 2, 2021 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary near Cleveland. Texas, June 26, 2021 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Masses of rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) under pines in area of Triangle in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary near Cleveland. Texas, June 26, 2021 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, December 2, 2023 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Spores (in KOH) of rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 2, 2023