The gasteroid fungi of Essex
The fungus has a cup at the base of a very tall, hard, scaly stem. The spore-producing region contains
spirally thickened, sterile cells. Again it has been recorded in Epping Forest according to Pearson
(1938) but no supporting evidence has as yet been traced. Ramsbottom (1953) states that it is rare,
being recorded from about a dozen British localities including some in Suffolk and Norfolk. It has
also been recorded in Kent. In recent years it has been recorded on a hedge-bank in north-east Essex
(between Long Melford and Glemsford) (Borges, pers. comm.). It has also been recorded from near
Coggeshall in 1993. This specimen is now located in the Kew herbarium. Spooner (personal
communication).
76 AP.
Cyathus striatus Fluted Bird's-nest
Distribution 1:2:3:4:5:6
This is a common species found on fallen wood. The fungus has a funnel-shaped fruiting body with
a brown, shaggy, outer surface. The inner surface of the funnel is striated or fluted. The "bird's eggs"
are 1-2 mm across.
76 GK; 79 BS; 81 JS; 49 ADB.
Cyathus olla Field Bird's-nest
Distribution 1:2:3:4:5:6
This species is common especially on disturbed soil. The fungus lias a fruiting body with a wide,
flared margin and a silky, outer surface at first. The inner surface of the funnel is smooth and grey.
The "bird's eggs" are 2-3 mm across.
82 GK; 83 GK; 84 JHo; 85 JS; 86 RC; 79 BS; 87 BS; 88 AM; 89 AM; 90 HP; 81 JS; 91 RM; 92
ShW; 93 ShW; 94 ShW.
Crucibulum laeve While-egg Bird's-nest.
Distribution 1:2:3:4:5:6
The fruiting body is a short, cylindrical cup, which lias a cover when young. The inner surface of the
cup is pale and smooth. The "bird's eggs" are white.
76 GK; 37 TR; 53 MH; 95 ShW.
Sphaerobolus stellatus Camion Fungus
Distribution 1:2:3:4:5:6
This species is quite common though easily overlooked. The fungus consists of clusters of white to
orange, very small fruiting bodies that occur on rotting wood or saw dust. Each cup splits in a star-
shaped fashion to expose the single "cannon ball".
76 GK; 96 JS; 7 JS; 79 BS; 88 AM; 98 AM; 47 EWT; 46 EWT; 31 RB; 32 RB; 253 KA.
Geastrum striatum Striated Earthstar
Distribution 1:3:4:5:6
This is a fairly common species. The spore-sac has a cone-shaped structure around its opening.
which is folded into pleats. The spore-sac has a stalk with a collar. The rays do not bend with
changes in humidity. They arch over the ground.
76 GK; 155 GK; 100 GK; 101 GK; 102 GK; 103 GK; 104 ADB; 105 GSp; 106 JF; 25 MS; 107 SJ;
108 GS; 109 ADB; 253 KA.
Geastrum floriforme Daisy Earthstar
Distribution 5 :6
This species was first described from Italy and is known from various parts of Northern Europe. It
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 20 (2003)
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