star earthball
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of earthball fungus: "star earthball" is the common name for a specific species of puffball-like fungus (Scleroderma polyrhizum). It is characterized by a fruiting body that is initially buried in sand or soil. When mature, the top of this round fungus splits open into distinct, star-shaped segments that resemble the rays of an umbel.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We found a star earthball partially buried in the sandy soil.
- The star earthball is notable for how its outer skin cracks open into a star pattern.
Advanced Usage
- In mycology: The term is used specifically in fungal taxonomy and field identification to distinguish from other, similar earthball species.
- The key identifying feature of the star earthball is its habit of growing buried in sand.
Variants and Related Words
- Earthball (n): The general common name for fungi in the genus , which have a hard, unspotted skin and a dark, powdery spore mass inside.
- Scleroderma polyrhizum (n): The scientific binomial name for the star earthball.
Synonyms
- Scleroderma polyrhizum: The scientific synonym.
- Dead man's hand: A less common, regional common name for similar earthball fungi.
Related Phrases
- To open like a star: A descriptive phrase often used to explain the appearance of the mature star earthball.
- The fungus doesn't have a stipe; instead, it opens like a star from the top.
Noun
- an earthball with a smooth upper surface that is at first buried in sand; the top of the fruiting body opens up to form segments like the ray of an umbel
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