Geastrum

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Geastrum (order Lycoperdales) A genus of terrestrial fungi in which fruit-body development begins underground or at the soil surface. The exoperidium splits open from the top and the sections open outwards in a star-like arrangement. The endoperidium contains the spores, which are released via a pore in the tip. Species occur on the ground in woods, sand-dunes, etc. See also EARTH STAR.

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