Synonyms: Geaster lloydianum, Geaster saccatum, Geastrum lloydianum.
Common name: rounded earthstar.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Geastrum saccatum, commonly known as the rounded earthstar, is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Geastrum. It has a worldwide distribution and is found growing on rotting wood. It is considered inedible by mushroomers because of its bitter taste. It is a common mushroom, but collections are at their peak during late summer. The opening of the outer layer of the fruiting body in the characteristic star shape is thought to be due to a buildup of calcium oxalate crystals immediately prior to dehiscence. G. saccatum is distinguished from other earthstars by the distinct circular ridge or depression surrounding the central pore. In Brazil, its common name translates to "star of the land".
Chinese: 袋狀地星, Swedish: Säckjordstjärna.
Geastrum saccatum is a species of earthstar fungus that grows underground before emerging to release spores. It has a rounded to irregular base and 4-7 pointed arms that split open to form a star-like shape, exposing a rounded inner spore sac. In East and Central Texas, Geastrum saccatum typically fruits in late summer to early fall, often in wooded areas with rich soil and abundant leaf litter, particularly under oak, beech, and pine trees. The fungus is relatively common in the region, with specimens often found in clusters or solitary individuals, ranging in size from 2-6 cm in diameter.
Earth star mushroom (Geastrum saccatum) on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 3, 2013
Earth star mushroom Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018
Group of earth star mushroom Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 29, 2018
Immature earth star mushrooms Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 30, 2018
Young earth star mushrooms Geastrum saccatum on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 30, 2018
Earth star mushrooms Geastrum saccatum in a pine forest on Lone Star Hiking Trail south from Stubblefield Campground in Sam Houston National Forest. Huntsville, Texas, October 13, 2018
Earth star mushroom (Geastrum saccatum) on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, October 21, 2018
Earthstar mushroom Geastrum saccatum on rotting wood in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, June 26, 2019
Rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) on rotting wood on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 7, 2020
Rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary near Cleveland. Texas, June 26, 2021
Masses of rounded earthstar mushrooms (Geastrum saccatum) under pines in area of Triangle in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary near Cleveland. Texas, June 26, 2021Observations of Geastrum saccatum in East and Central Texas reveal a widespread presence in various national forests and preserves. The fungus was found on multiple trails, including Chinquapin Trail, Kirby Trail, Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, and Lone Star Hiking Trail, between 2013 and 2023. It typically grows on or near rotting wood, pine forests, and under pines. The mushrooms were observed in different stages of maturity, from immature to young and mature, with some areas having large groups or masses of them. The observations also included spore collection and examination. Geastrum saccatum was found in various locations, including Huntsville State Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, Sam Houston National Forest, and Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary, indicating its adaptability to different environments in the region.
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