What is Astraeus hygrometricus?
{{stack begin}} {{speciesbox | image = Astraeus hygrometricus 122239.jpg | image_caption = | species = hygrometricus | genus = Astraeus (fungus) | authority = ([[Pers.]]) [[Andrew P. Morgan|Morgan]] (1889) | synonyms_ref = | synonyms = ''Lycoperdon stellatus'' <small>[[Scop.]] (1772)</small><br> ''Geastrum hygrometricum'' <small>Pers. (1801)</small><br> ''Geas}trum fibrillosum'' <small>[[Schwein.]] (1822)</small><br> ''Geastrum stellatum'' <small>(Scop.) [[Wettst.]] (1885)</small><br> ''Astraeus stellatus'' <small>[[E.Fisch.]] (1900)</small> }} {{mycomorphbox | name = ''Astraeus hygrometricus'' | capShape = no | hymeniumType = gleba | ecologicalType = mycorrhizal | sporePrintColor = brown | howEdible = inedible }} {{stack end}} '''Astraeus hygrometricus''', often known as the ''''hygroscopic earthstar''', the barometer earthstar, or the false earthstar, is a Diplocystaceae fungus. When closed, young specimens resemble a puffball. When mature, the mushroom takes on the distinctive earthstar form, which is caused by the outer layer of fruit body tissue splitting apart in a star-like pattern.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1021821/death-from-below|title=Death from below|first=Bangkok Post Public Company|last=Limited|via=www.bangkokpost.com}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist}} [[Category:Mushrooms]] {{biology-stub}}