Geastrum triplex

Description:

From their relatively large size, fibrillose peristome and paler area surrounding the peristome, I think these are G. triplex. The younger one's rays haven't cracked into the distinctive "cup" shape, but the older one shows signs of cracking. There was a large troop of these beautiful earthstars circling the base of a tree fern.It was absolutely pouring rain when we were there and all the fungi we saw were sopping wet. It didn't take long for us to get sopping wet, too! Photographed in Burnie, at the Fern Glade Reserve.