Sunday, April 13, 2008

Earth Stars

Earthstars

These fungi, Earth Stars, are of the genus Geastrum. They popped up in our garden this week. It's a fine time of year for fungi at the moment. We've counted ten or so different species within a few square metres of our front door.

The star-like structure at the base of the fruiting body originally covered the ball, but then splits open. It's a type of puffball. The ball holds the spores, and when disturbed, puffs out a mist of spores through the central pore.

I've not been posting much--or at all!--lately, because I've been hugely busy with work, study and familish stuff. Uni is going really well. I'm just loving biology to pieces. I feel like I've come home.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

We have the same type of fungi here in the states. The ones, that I've seen have been growing in sandy soils.

Anonymous said...

wow!!! what a wonderful creature this one is! completely new to me...although everything is new in this world of ypurs to me


myla

Paul Steckler said...

Hi Maggie,

I may be moving back to Sydney soon. Will let you know.

Good to see you, Martien, and Maxine are enjoying yourselves.

-- steck

Unknown said...

At last, the perfect plant for my native lawn!

Unknown said...

At last, the perfect plant for my native lawn!