Tiny Earthstar Geastrum minimum
The Tiny Earthstar (Geastrum minimum) is the smallest of Britain’s earthstar fungi – a diminutive but perfectly formed species whose outer rays peel back to form the characteristic star shape around the central spore-bearing sac. It is found on dry, sandy or chalky soils in open, short grassland, dune systems, and heathland edges. Nationally scarce, it occurs most frequently in southern and eastern England. Suffolk’s light sandy soils – particularly on the Sandlings heathland, coastal dunes, and Breckland margins – offer suitable habitat, and records from the county contribute to an understanding of this species’ restricted distribution. Image: © Jackson Bird, iNaturalist.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Kew factsheet (pdf)
Suffolk’s Priority Fungi and Slime Mould Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
