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Vaulted starfish (Geastrum fornicatum) belongs to the Starfish family and is the rarest species of mushrooms. It can be found only in the wild, almost no one is engaged in mass breeding.
Description of the vaulted starfish
The vaulted star is also called the earthen vaulted star or the earthen star. It has an unusual structure, which is why it got its name: its stem is star-shaped.
In the inner part of the fungus there is a spore-bearing body of spherical or oval shape, which rises above a star-shaped support on a short stem. The upper body is pointed, surrounded by a thin protective covering. It reaches 1-2 cm in diameter, the spore powder has a dark brown color. The fruit part is preserved throughout the entire ripening period.
Outside, the fruiting body is covered by exoperidium - a shell that eventually bursts and opens into 4-10 narrow rays. Their length reaches 3-11 cm. They form a star-like support about 3-15 cm in size.
The outer shell darkens and dries out over time, the pulp becomes coarser
The rays are erect, then grow to a dense and thick mycelial layer of the shell, which remains underground. The spore body is dark brown or gray in color. The inner side of the rays is lighter - cream or light brown.
Where and how it grows
This species is extremely rare in Russia. The most common in the European part of the country, it is also found in warm regions with a mild climate: in Eastern Siberia, the Caucasus and the forests of the temperate Russian zone.
Grows in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests, mainly on sandy and calcareous soils. Most often found on the banks of water bodies, near anthills and under fallen needles. Starlings grow in small groups under bushes and in secluded places, forming witch circles.
Is the mushroom edible or not
Vaulted starfish belongs to the category of conditionally edible. Before eating mushrooms, it is required to undergo heat treatment: they can be fried, boiled or stewed. In cooking, young starfish are used, the pulp and shell of which did not have time to darken and harden.
The pulp of young mushrooms has a light shade and a smooth surface
Why is a vaulted starfire useful?
The benefit of the vaulted starfish is due to the high content of biologically active substances. It is often used in traditional and folk medicine:
- the pulp cut into strips is applied to the wound, instead of a plaster;
- spore powder is a part of medicinal decoctions, infusions and powders;
- young pulp is used to stop and disinfect blood;
- extracts are used as an antitumor and antibacterial agent.
Also, dried pulp can be used as an antipyretic agent, preparing decoctions from it or adding to tea.
Doubles and their differences
The vaulted starfish has a peculiar appearance and structure that distinguishes it from other mushrooms. But the Zvezdovikov family includes several more species, with which it is very easy to confuse it.
Fringed starfish (Geastrum fimbriatum) - refers to inedible, the outer shell has a cream or light brown color. Over time, it breaks up into 6-7 blades, which bend downward, forming legs. The spores settle in a ball surrounded by a bowl of pulp.
The fringed starlet differs from the vaulted starlet in the absence of a leg that connects the spore-bearing body with a stand
Crowned starfish (Geastrum coronatum) is an inedible mushroom with several rays of gray or light brown color, on which the spore-bearing part is attached. The spherical body tapers upward, forming a sharp stomata, and is attached to a short thick stalk.
It differs from the vaulted starlet in a darker color of the core
Small starfish (Geastrum minimum) - is inedible, grows on calcareous soil and matures underground. The most common in the steppes, forest edges and clearings. The body has the shape of a ball, the shell cracks and opens into 6-12 narrow rays, forming a star-shaped support. The spore body is spherical, has a small tip at the apex and is attached to a short (2-3 mm) leg.
Unlike the vaulted starfish, the core of the mushroom has the same light shade as the legs.
Starfish striatum (Geastrum striatum) is an inedible saprotroph that grows on desert soil and decaying remains of grass and trees. During the ripening period, the body of the fungus has a teardrop shape and is completely hidden under the ground. The outer part bursts and splits into several rays of light brown or creamy color. In their center there is a spherical cavity with spores that exit through the upper stomata.
The beams of the tiger starfish are covered with deep cracks that look like stripes.
Conclusion
The vaulted starfish has many useful properties; it is used in medicine and cooking as an exotic side dish or seasoning for the main dish. The mushroom is extremely difficult to find and collect, since during the ripening period it is completely hidden by the ground. It is very important to be able to distinguish it from other mushrooms of this species, because they are inedible.
