The Earth Star, Gaestrum triplex, is an expandable fungus varying in size from 70mm to 100mm across the tips of the lobes. They first appear as a small puff-ball, then the outer layer splits to reveal the thinner-skinned sack which contains the spores. The spores are ejected through the hole in the middle, and are carried on the breeze.

These individuals were seen in a rainforest ecotone, on the side of the XC track near Bridge 3 at Manna Park.

Information sourced from: Fuhrer, B (2005) A Field Guide to Australian Fungi, Bloomings Books.

Click on any photo to download a higher resolution image (T.Hastings 4/6/2010)