Collared Earthstar - Geastrum triplex

Alternative names
Geastrum michelianum
Description

A very large earthstar with a thick, fleshy outer part or peridium that typically splits across the rays as they open and bend downwards, often creating an inner saucer-like structure or collar under the spore-sac. The spore-ball itself does not have a collar and is not stalked.  The pore opening is fringed and is within a faintly delimited zone. 

Similar Species

Other Geastrum species are smaller, and do not have a collar formed by the rays breaking as they open (although some species have a collar that is part of the spore-ball).  

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photograph in habitat, from top diwn and in side view; photograph detail of pore opening; note size, habitat, substrate, and associated tree species.

Habitat

Rich soil in parks, gardens, woodlands, under conifers and deciduous species.

When to see it

autumn

Leicestershire & Rutland Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Further Information

https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/geastrum-triplex.php

[Note: In some sources this species is called Geastrum michelianum; this is probably a more correct name, but it is still called G triplex on the NBN.] 

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records