Geastrum
Ruffs earthstar ( Geastrum triplex )
Erdsterne ( Geastrum ) is a fungal genus in the family Erdsternverwandten. Today they are classified in the order of Erdsternartigen ( Geastrales ). The classification in the belly fungi ( Gastromycetes or Gasteromycetes ) is deprecated. This also applies to the classification of the Stinkmorchelartigen ( Phallales ). The genus name is derived from the Greek words ge for Earth and aster or for astron star from.
- 6.1 Literature
- 6.2 Notes and references
Features
Macroscopic characteristics
The Erdsterne first grow underground and have a spherical, closed form. The thick outer shell ( Exoperidie ) consists of three layers, the Myzelial, fiber and Pseudoparenchymschicht (from outside to inside). The latter is responsible for the tearing of the peridia; it swells so that the shell of the fruit body from the vertex of bursts on the basis of a star. In this case, the resulting rag bend outwards, so that the inner spherical shell ( endoperidium ) cancels with the spores contained therein up to the surface. Wherein the nest Erdsternen dissolves the outer - Myzelial of the fiber layer to the cloth tips and remains in the soil, so that only bend the two inner layers to the outside and is separated from the body of the fruit mycelium. When Giant earthstar (G. melanocephalum ) remains the very thin inner - connected with the outer shell, so that when you open the fruit part ( Gleba ) is exposed. The stem of the inner part of the fruit body is columella. Above the apex of the shell there is a small hole. The mouth of the opening is called peristome. It can be smooth, fibrous or striated trained. A fall or multiple raindrops on it, can complement the surroundings of the envelope spores by the resulting pressure - similar to the Stäublingen - escape therefrom and thus ensure the propagation of the species, some species are hygroscopic, so they open with moisture and close at dryness.
Microscopic characteristics
The spherical spores are tuberculate and measure three to seven microns.
Ecology
Most Erdsterne grow in steppes or on sandy soil; many species may also dry and warm conditions. The Erdsterne live on dead organic material.
Species
Worldwide there are about 60 species. In Europe, about two dozen species occur or are expected there.
Big Nest earthstar Geastrum fornicatum
Dwarf earthstar Geastrum minimum
Comb earthstar Geastrum pectinatum
Little Nest earthstar Geastrum quadrifidum
Rötender earthstar Geastrum rufescens
Sunken earthstar Geastrum saccatum
Collar earthstar Geastrum striatum
Ruffs earthstar Geastrum triplex
Importance
When the mushrooms Erdsterne shall not be used; they are inedible. However, some authors suggest that the still present under the earth young fruiting bodies are edible.
History
The earliest documented mention of Erdsternen done by Christophoro Merrett in a bulleted list and description of British plants in the year 1667.
In December 1744, the English chemist, physician and naturalist Sir William Watson published ( 1715-1787 ) a first description of the fungal genus Erdsterne ( Geastrum ), which came under European botanists with great interest.