Fungi - Hygroscopic Earthstar
Astraeus hygrometricus
Astraeus hygrometricus
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Astraeus, the genus of earthstars, has a number of species, at least two of which can be found locally. Most of the species are "hygroscopic" which means that they absorb moisture from their surroundings. When it is wet, the rays of the "star" open up, and as it dries out, the rays curl back together.
