Dead Man's Hand Scleroderma geaster

The size, thickness, and firmness of the fruiting body make this a readily identifiable fungus. The rind (covering over the spore mass inside) is so thick it frequently is intact months after all the spores are gone. This fungus is also known to crack asphalt on driveways and tennis courts as the fruiting bodies develop.

The fruiting bodies are large, roundish in shape, up to 5-6 inches in diameter, tan to tannish brown and breaking up into large scale-like patches upon expansion.  They will spit into irregular starlike lobes or rays, usually with 4-6 rays. The peridium or rind is very thick and tan.  The Gleba (interior or spore mass) is marbled purple-brown even when very young, becoming blackish-brown and dusty as the spores mature.

This plant can be found throughout North Carolina, but more frequently in the Piedmont on exposed clay soil, especially road banks.  It grows in a forest or natural area or landscape.  Singly or often in groups of 3-4 fruiting bodies and frequently with 2 or 3 fruiting bodies fused on exposed clay or sandy soil, occasionally in lawns.

It is highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten.  The size, thickness, and firmness of the fruiting body make this a readily identifiable fungus.