This interesting, star-like, mushroom was
named “Astraeus” after Astraeus, the father of stars in the ancient Greek
mythology. Its “star rays” behave like a barometer. They measure the humidity
in the air and if humidity is enough they open up to expose the spore sac. If
not, they remain closed to protect it from dry conditions. Because of this
behavior the mushroom was named hydrometricus which is also of Greek origin and
means “water- measuring”.
For an extra picture of this mushroom please
have a look at the post of 28/12/2010 in
the present blog.