Geastrum minimum
Earthstars are fungi related to puffballs in which the outer ‘skin’ splits radially to expose the spore sac which then sites star-like ‘arms’. There are 18 species in Britain, and Norfolk is the only county from which all have been recorded. The Tiny Earthstar is the smallest, with a spore sac never more than 10mm in diameter. It was first found in Britain at Holkham in 1959 and for a long time this remained its only site, occurring in a number of colonies in very short vegetation on fixed dunes. Recently, however, it has been found in Cumbria, Suffolk and at a second site in Norfolk.
Text: Tony Leech
Classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Species of principal importance for the purpose of conservation of biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.