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

VC55 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

Species profile

Common names
Collared Earthstar
Species group:
fungus
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Geastrales
Family:
Geastraceae
Records on NatureSpot:
34
First record:
25/02/2008 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
08/01/2026 (Alton, John)

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