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The striped starfish in its shape resembles an alien creation. But in fact, it is a mushroom of the Geastrov family. The saprotroph got its name due to the similarity with the star. It is found in forests and parks in summer and autumn.
Description of the striped starlet
The striped starlet 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 breaks, dividing into creamy lobes. Spores are located in the neck of the striped starfish, covered with a whitish bloom. It has no characteristic taste and aroma. In Latin, the saprotroph is called Geastrum striatum.
The scientific name "geastrum" comes from the words geo - "earth" and aster - "star"
Where and how it grows
The striped starlet is localized in mixed and coniferous forests. Most often, he hides near water bodies. 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 of the Russian Federation, it lives in the southern part of North America and some European countries. The intensification of fruiting occurs in autumn.
Is the mushroom edible or not
The striped starlet is inedible. Due to its low nutritional value and lack of pronounced taste, the pulp is not eaten.
Doubles and their differences
This representative is not the only one of the star-shaped mushrooms. In the forest or near a reservoir, its counterparts are often found. Each of them has distinctive features.
Starfish four-bladed
The twin has a four-layer peridium. The diameter of the fruiting body is 5 cm. The slightly flattened white stem is cylindrical in shape. The blades formed during the rupture of the mushroom surface are bent downward. Spores are greenish-brown in color. 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 hole for the exit of spores.
Small star
A distinctive feature of the twin is its small size. When unfolded, 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 twin is found not only in forests, but also in the steppe zone. It is unsuitable for use in food, since it is inedible.
The endoperidium of the fruiting body has a crystalline coating
Conclusion
Starfish striped is in demand in alternative medicine. It has the ability to stop blood and have an antiseptic effect. Mushroom blades are applied to the wound, instead of a plaster.
