Geastrum triplex (Collared Earthstar)

Geastrum quadrifidum has previously been featured as it was new to Scotland, with the site near Blairgowrie still being the only one recorded. G. triplex is found much more regularly but has an interesting, and mostly southern distribution in Scotland. It would be interesting to see just how far up the east coast it fruits (see distribution below).

Find out more about the different divisions within the kingdom of the fungi.

Fruiting:

Records of this are reported from all times of the year. It seems that most earthstars are in good condition in the autumn and early winter and that other records are of the old fruit body which dries out and often remains perfectly recognisable into the following year. This hugely extends the period when recording can take place - unusual for fungi!

Habitat:

On well drained soils, often amongst leaf litter; usually in deciduous woodland. Known also from dunes, gardens, roadside verges and underneath bracken or conifers.

Distribution:

The Checklist gives this as common in England and the Republic of Ireland but occasional everywhere else. In Scotland it is known from across the Central Belt, is locally abundant in East Lothian, but does not appear further north than Fife. The most recent record from St. Andrews (well found Calan!) makes me wonder exactly how far up the east (or indeed the west) coast this species can be found.

The National Biodiversity Network Gateway records from FRDBI andHBRG datasets are shown on the above map (see terms and conditions at http://data.nbn.org.uk). Data providers and the NBN Trust bear no responsibility for any further analysis or interpretation of the information in the map.

Liz Holden, 2013