Devil's Cigar (Chorioactis geaster)
π·οΈ Description
Imagine a mushroom so rare itβs only found in Texas πΊπΈ and Japan π―π΅ β thatβs Chorioactis geaster, famously known as the Texas Star or the Devilβs Cigar. This elusive fungus starts life as a dark, fuzzy, cigar-shaped capsule. Then, with a dramatic hiss π¨, it bursts open, releasing a smoky cloud of spores and unfolding into a stunning star-shaped form β β natureβs very own firework!
In Texas, it loves decaying cedar elms π³, while in Japan, it prefers dead oaks π. Its scientific name geaster nods to its starry appearance, much like the earthstars (Geastrum) it resembles. Known as kirinomitake (γγͺγγγΏγ±) in Japan, its young form even mimics the seed pods of the empress tree.
But the mystery doesnβt end there. DNA studies reveal that the Japanese and Texan populations split about 19 million years ago β yet both still share this celestial beauty. Inside, its spores look like stretched-out footballs π under the microscope, and its leathery texture makes it inedible (though itβs a treat for the eyes π).
In 2021, the Texas Star earned its rightful place as the official state mushroom of Texas β a rare honor for a rare fungus! π So, if youβre ever wandering the woods between October and January π, listen for a faint hissβ¦ you might just witness the magic of the Devilβs Cigar. π¨β¨
π Identification
β¨ Fruiting Body:
Starts football-shaped π, dark brown, fuzzy
Splits open into 3β7 star-like rays β (up to 20 cm across)
Outer Surface: Dark brown to black, woolly
Inner Surface: Whitish to butterscotch π― (spore-bearing side)
Flesh: Firm, leathery, pale β odorless
Bonus: When it opens, it "hisses" and releases a spore cloud β like smoke! π¨π
π Ecology & Habitat:
Type: Saprobic (feeds on decaying wood)
Hosts:
Texas: Prefers cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia) π³
Japan: Grows on dead oak (Quercus gilva) & Symplocos myrtacea π
Where & When:
Texas & Oklahoma πΊπΈ (OctβApril)
Japan π―π΅ (cooler months)
Rarity: Found only in Texas, Oklahoma, and Japan! π
π¬ Microscopic Features:
Spores: Oblong to spindle-shaped. Size: ~55β75 Γ 12β17 Β΅m. Contains 3β5 oil droplets. Smooth or finely pock-marked
Asci (spore sacs): 8 spores per ascus. Up to 800 Β΅m long. Opens with a snap!
Paraphyses: Filament-like, later bead-like. Responsible for the explosive spore release!
π Fun Facts:
Also called "The Devilβs Cigar" due to its cigar-like shape before splitting. ππ¬
Emits a hissing sound during spore release β a rare fungal trick! π΅π
Displays a bizarre biogeographic mystery β only found in Japan & Texas, despite being 11,000 km apart. π€π
The Texan and Japanese populations have been separated for ~19 million years β long before humans could've spread it! π°οΈ
β οΈ Conservation Status:
Threatened in Japan due to habitat loss π²π«
Rare in Texas & Oklahoma β urbanization poses risks ποΈπ
π‘ Pro Tip for Mushroom Hunters: Find them near cedar elm stumps after cool rains β and listen closely... you might just hear it open! πππ¨
β»οΈ Life Cycle
𧬠1. Spore Release β The Smoky Beginning
The mature fruit body (ascocarp) stays tightly closed until just before spore release.
Dehiscence (fruit body opening) is triggered by changes in humidity π§οΈ and pressure from swollen paraphyses (sterile cells).
With a hissing sound π΅, the cigar-shaped body splits into 3β7 star-like rays, releasing a cloud of spores into the air β resembling smoke! π¨π
π¬οΈ 2. Spore Dispersal β Riding the Wind
The lightweight fusiform spores (55β75 Γ 12β17 Β΅m) are carried by the wind.
The hissing "spore puff" helps spread them farther from the parent mushroom. π¬οΈπ
Oil droplets inside the spores may help with buoyancy or germination. π§
π± 3. Germination β A Rare Success
Only under specific conditions do the spores germinate β cool temperatures and decaying wood from host trees like cedar elm (Texas) or oak (Japan). π²π
The spores grow into a network of hyphae (thread-like cells), forming a mycelium β the hidden body of the fungus, spreading underground. πΈοΈπΏ
In Texas, spore germination on artificial media has never been successful, but Japanese spores have been grown in labs. π§ͺπ―π΅
π 4. Fruiting Body Formation β Cigar to Star
When conditions are right (cooler, moist months), the mycelium develops a club-shaped fruit body, partially buried in the ground. π
The dark brown, fuzzy fruit body slowly grows, eventually forming the iconic cigar shape.
The underground stem anchors it to decaying wood. π³β
π₯ 5. The Explosive Finale β Spreading the Legacy
As the fruit body matures, pressure builds within the paraphyses.
When environmental triggers (like humidity changes) hit, the fruit body splits open with a hiss, releasing spores once more. π¨π
The cycle repeats β but only in select spots in Texas, Oklahoma, and Japan! πβ¨
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: Sue Ann Kendall (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 2 - Author: River Ahlquist (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 3 - Author: Sam Kieschnick (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 4 - Author: River Ahlquist (CC BY 4.0)
