Arched Earthstar
Geastrum fornicatum
Geastrum fornicatum, commonly known as the acrobatic earthstar or the arched earthstar, is an inedible species of mushroom in the family Geastraceae. Like other earthstar mushrooms, the thick outer skin splits open at maturity, exposing the spore sac to the elements.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geastrum_fornicatum
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Geastrales
Family
Geastraceae
Genus
Geastrum
Arched Earthstar belongs to the family Geastraceae, order Geastrales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Geastrum fornicatum, commonly known as the acrobatic earthstar or the arched earthstar, is an inedible species of mushroom in the family Geastraceae. Like other earthstar mushrooms, the thick outer skin splits open at maturity, exposing the spore sac to the elements. It is found in the southwest United States.
The Arched Earthstar faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable woodland environments due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns further threaten the specific moisture and temperature conditions this fungus requires for reproduction and survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly beech and oak forests, where it grows in leaf litter and humus-rich soils. The species favors well-drained woodland floors with moderate moisture levels and partial shade conditions.
Threats
Deforestation and woodland clearance
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Agricultural expansion
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Urban development and land conversion
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Arched Earthstar (Geastrum fornicatum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/arched-earthstar