FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Geastrum saccatum
Rounded Earthstar
Fr., 1829
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small saprobic fungus characterized by its unique star-like fruiting body. It begins as a closed, rounded, onion-shaped structure before the outer layer splits into 4 to 9 star-like rays that peel back to reveal a central, spore-bearing spore sac with a distinct circular opening at the top.
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Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Estrella de tierra ensanchadaSaccate earthstarPetit géastreZakvormige aardster
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Geastrales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Geastraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Geastrum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fr., 1829
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Decomposer
EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Commonly found in leaf litter, humus, and rich organic soils of both deciduous and coniferous forests. It thrives in shaded, damp woodland areas and is often seen growing around decaying wood or tree stumps.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
As a saprobic organism, it grows quietly underground as a network of mycelium for most of the year. It emerges on the forest floor during wet seasons, utilizing complex organic materials to build its geometric fruiting body.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 6.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The star-like rays lift the central spore sac off the ground, positioning it higher into micro-currents of air to optimize wind-driven spore dispersal.
The outer layers absorb moisture efficiently, swelling and opening when wet, while closing slightly during dry periods to protect the remaining spores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deep forest floor compaction caused by heavy human foot traffic, off-road vehicles, or intensive logging which destroys the delicate underground mycelium networks.
Loss of habitat through deforestation and clear-cutting, which removes the critical leaf litter and shade necessary for moisture retention.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It functions like a bellows system; when raindrops hit the flexible central spore sac, clouds of microscopic spores are puffed out into the air through the top opening.