An earthstar-like fungus whose outer skin splits into rays that fold over the spore case when dry and open out when wet. Despite its resemblance to Geastrum earthstars it is related to the boletes. The name has been applied worldwide, but recent work suggests the species in the strict sense is southern European, and North American and Asian material may belong to other species.
North American guides usually list it as inedible or too tough to eat. Related Asian populations are eaten in Nepal, India and Japan, but these are now often treated as separate species (A. asiaticus, A. odoratus). Not recommended.
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Habitat
Ectomycorrhizal with trees such as oaks and pines; alone, scattered or in groups in sandy or nutrient-poor soil, especially disturbed ground. Fruits summer and fall, or over winter in warm climates; dried fruitbodies persist for a long time.
Distribution
In the strict sense possibly restricted to southern Europe (roughly southern France to Turkey) according to Phosri et al. (2013). The name has been applied to material from Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas; Phosri et al. assigned North American collections to A. pteridis, A. morganii and A. smithii, but MushroomExpert considers that study problematic and treats the North American names as unresolved.
Characteristics
Fruitbody: spore case 1-2.5 cm, roughly spherical, papery, whitish becoming grayish to brownish, opening by a tear at the top. Rays: 6-12, triangular, about 1 mm thick, hygroscopic (closing over the spore case when dry, opening when wet). Interior: white and fleshy when young, becoming chocolate-brown and powdery. Spore print: brown. Spores: 7.5-12 µm including ornamentation, globose, spiny.
