Content
The striped starfish in its shape resembles an alien creation. But in fact it is a mushroom of the Geasteraceae family. The saprotroph received its name due to its resemblance to a star. It is found in forests and parks in summer and autumn.
Description of the striped starfish
The striped star is included in the list of the most unusual mushrooms. It is a saprotroph that lives on tree trunks and decomposed stumps. Initially, its fruiting body is located underground. As it matures, it comes out, after which the outer shell ruptures, dividing into creamy-colored lobes. The spores are located in the neck of the striped starfish, covered with a whitish coating. It does not have a characteristic taste or aroma.In Latin, saprotroph is called Geastrum striatum.
The scientific name "geastrum" comes from the words geo - "earth" and aster - "star"
Where and how does it grow
The striped starfish is localized in mixed and coniferous forests. Most often he hides near bodies of water. The fruiting bodies are found in large families forming circles. In Russia it grows in areas with a warm climate. It can be found in the Caucasus and Eastern Siberia. Outside the Russian Federation, it lives in the southern part of North America and some European countries. Fruiting intensifies in autumn.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Striped starwort is inedible. Due to its low nutritional value and lack of distinct taste, the pulp is not eaten.
Doubles and their differences
This representative is not the only star-shaped mushroom. Its doubles are often found in the forest or near a pond. Each of them has distinctive features.
Four-bladed star
The twin has a four-layer peridium. The diameter of the fruiting body is 5 cm. The slightly flattened white stalk has a cylindrical shape. The blades formed during the process of rupture of the surface of the mushroom are bent downwards. The spores have a greenish-brown tint. Representatives of this species are often found in abandoned anthills. They are not eaten as the double is inedible.
This variety is distinguished by a wide rim formed around the hole for the spores to exit.
Small star
A distinctive feature of the double is its small size. When opened, its diameter is 3 cm. The surface has a gray-beige tint.As the mushroom matures, it becomes covered with cracks. Unlike the striped saprotroph, the double is found not only in forests, but also in the steppe zone. It is not suitable for use as food because it is inedible.
The endoperidium of the fruiting body has a crystalline coating
Conclusion
Starweed is in demand in alternative medicine. It has the ability to stop bleeding and have an antiseptic effect. Mushroom blades are applied to the wound instead of a plaster.
