earthstar

/ˌʌrθˈstɑr/

Other forms: earthstars

Definitions of earthstar

1. noun

   any fungus of the family Geastraceae; in form suggesting a puffball whose outer peridium splits into the shape of a star
   types:

   Geastrum coronatum

   an earthstar with a bluish spore sac and a purplish brown gleba; at maturity the outer layer splits into rays that bend backward and elevate the spore sac

   Astreus pteridis

   the largest earthstar; the fruiting body can measure 15 cm across when the rays are expanded

   Astreus hygrometricus

   a common species of earthstar widely distributed in sandy soil; the gleba is a pale tan

   type of:

   fungus

   an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter; ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia