Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?
The answer to last week’s mystery is earthstars, genus Geastrum and family Geastraceae, pictured in photo #2.
Earthstars are unique fungi that open into a distinct star-like shape as they mature. They can be found in several spots at Adkins Arboretum.
Earthstars are natural recyclers, or saprobic, meaning they derive nutrients from rotting wood, leaf litter, and rich humus. They primarily grow under hardwood and conifer trees
Earthstars begin as small, round, onion-like bulbs underground. When mature, the outer skin of the earthstar splits into pointed rays that peel back like a flower. The central ball is a spore sac, similar to the related puffball family of fungi. When raindrops hit the sac, a puff of spores shoots out through a tiny hole at the center of the sac.
Many earthstars use their arms, or rays, to lift themselves off the ground, allowing the spores to reach that much farther.
During hot, dry periods, the arms close inward to protect the spore sac. When it rains,
or there is moisture in the air, the arms open to receive it. This special function
is called hygroscopy and is used by many plant and animal species to retain
hydration.
Earthstars are not poisonous, but not good to eat because they are tough, fibrous, and bitter.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.
