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The striped starfish in its shape resembles an alien creation. But in fact, it is a fungus of the Heaster family. The saprotroph got 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 starfish is included in the list of the most unusual mushrooms. It is a saprotroph that lives on tree trunks and decayed stumps. Initially, its fruiting body is located underground. As it matures, it comes out, after which the outer shell is torn, dividing into cream-colored lobes. The spores are located in the neck of the striped star, covered with a whitish bloom. It has no characteristic taste and aroma. In Latin, the saprotroph is called Geastrum striatum.
The scientific name “gestrum” comes from the words geo – “earth” and aster – “star”
Where and how to grow
The striped starfish is localized in mixed and coniferous forests. Most often, he hides near water bodies. Fruiting bodies occur in large families forming circles. In Our Country, it grows in areas with a warm climate. It can be found in the Caucasus and Eastern Siberia. Outside the Federation, it lives in the southern part of North America and some European countries. Activation of fruiting occurs in autumn.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The striped starfish is inedible. Due to the low nutritional value and the lack of a pronounced taste, the pulp is not eaten.
Twins and their differences
This representative is not the only one of the star-shaped mushrooms. In the forest or near a reservoir, its twins are often found. Each of them has distinctive features.
Four-bladed star
The double has a four-layered peridium. The diameter of the fruiting body is 5 cm. The slightly flattened white leg is cylindrical in shape. The blades formed in the process of breaking the surface of the fungus are bent down. Spores are greenish-brown. Representatives of this species are often found in abandoned anthills. They do not eat it, since the double is inedible.
This variety is distinguished by a wide rim formed around the spore exit hole.
Small star
A distinctive feature of the twin is its small size. In the open state, its diameter is 3 cm. The surface has a gray-beige tint. As the fungus 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 in food, because it is inedible.
The endoperidium of the fruiting body has a crystalline coating
Conclusion
The striped starfish is in demand in alternative medicine. It has the ability to stop the blood and have an antiseptic effect. Mushroom blades are applied to the wound, instead of a plaster.
