Geaster

/dʒiˈæstər/ noun

Definition

A genus of fungi commonly known as earthstars, which have a distinctive star-shaped fruiting body that opens to reveal a central spore sac.

Etymology

From Greek 'ge-' (Earth) and 'aster' (star), literally 'Earth-star.' The name perfectly describes the appearance of these fungi when they open up.

Kelly Says

Earthstars (geasters) perform one of nature's coolest magic tricks—when dry, they look like hard rocks, but when wet, their papery outer layer peels back into perfect star points to spread spores.

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