Mushroom

[Kris1974]

Hi last weekend I find very interesting mushroom, look like star anyone know the name? Is on the attached foto

[AdrianRose]

Hi buddy.

Looks like an Earth Star Fungi to me pal, from the Geastrum family I seem to remember. But I could be wrong, my memory isn't what it used to be

Ade

[Jon D]

Great find!

[luresalive]

I'd say an earth star too

[Bernie]

I love the detailed information for these fungi on Wikipedia. Quotes:

North American field guides typically rate A. hygrometricus as inedible.

and

This earthstar has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a hemostatic agent; the spore dust is applied externally to stop wound bleeding and reduce chilblains.[60] Two Indian forest tribes, the Baiga and the Bharia of Madhya Pradesh, have been reported to use the fruit bodies medicinally. The spore mass is blended with mustard seed oil, and used as a salve against burns. The Blackfoot of North America called the fungus "fallen stars", considering them to be stars fallen to the earth during supernatural events

Fascinating stuff; I can see how people get drawn into learning more fungi details.