''Geastrum australe'' is an inedible species of

mushroom A mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. ''Toadstool'' generally denotes one poisonous to humans. The standard for the name "mushroom" is t ...

belonging to the genus ''

Geastrum ''Geastrum'' (orthographical variant ''Geaster'') is a genus of puffball-like mushrooms in the family Geastraceae. Many species are known commonly as earthstars. The name, which comes from ''geo'' meaning ''earth'' and meaning ''star'', refers ...

'', or earthstar fungi. It can be mistaken for ''

Geastrum saccatum ''Geastrum saccatum'', commonly known as the rounded earthstar, is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus ''Geastrum''. It has a worldwide distribution and is found growing on rotting wood. It is considered inedible by mushroomers because ...

'' or '' Geastrum simulans'', and is found in Melbourne.

References

australe Inedible fungi Fungi of Australia Fungi native to Australia Fungi described in 1859 {{Geastrales-stub