Star bearer
Asterophora lycoperdoides
A species of Piggybacks. Also known as Powdery piggyback.
Asterophora lycoperdoides, commonly known as star bearer, is a distinctive parasitic fungus. It targets and grows on other decomposing mushrooms, specifically those belonging to the Russula or Lactarius genera. While other fungi can also parasitize these species, the star bearer stands out due to its unique method of spore dispersal. It releases a powdery layer of spores that can resemble those of puffball mushrooms, a characteristic reflected in its scientific nomenclature.
In This Article
Attributes of Star bearer
Cap Diameter
1 - 20 mm
Height
1 - 5 cm
Cap
Cap 4 - 20 mm across; convex, nearly round; whitish, orangish brown; dry, rough
Cap Shape
Convex
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
Attached to the stem; distant; whitish or grayish
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 4 - 30 mm long, 2 - 5 mm thick; equal; whitish to brownish, eventually covered with orangish brown powder; dry, smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth to slightly fibrous
Flesh
White; unchanging colors when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mild, not distinctive, slightly flour-like.
Body Color
BrownWhiteOrange
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic, Parasitic
Substrate
On mushrooms
You can find Star bearer by these plants
Russulas, Pines
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed in North America
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Star bearer
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Gilled fungi
Family
Lyophyllaceae
Genus
Piggybacks
Toxicity and Edibility of Star bearer
Is Star bearer Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
