Geastrum quadrifidum Pers. ex Pers. Kleiner Nesterdstern Géastre à quatre branches, Rayed Earthstar. Fruit body opening to 0.5–3cm across, outer wall splitting into 4–8 pointed rays which bend strongly downwards, the tips adhering to a basal membranous cup in the substrate as in G. fornicatum. Spore sac on a short stalk 1.5–2.5mm long which forms a ridge-like collar below the lead-grey spore sac, opening by a central pore surmounting a pallid, conical mouth. Spores brown, globose, warted, 3.5–5um. Habitat in coniferous woods. Season autumn. Rare. Not edible. Distribution, America and Europe.