Devil's Cigar
ExploreFungi
Devil's Cigar
Chorioactis geaster
The Devil's Cigar is a unique mushroom that looks like a little cigar! It’s quite rare and has a funny shape that makes it special.
Habitat: Woodlands and forests
Appearance
The Devil's Cigar is a striking fungus that starts as a dark, fuzzy cigar-shaped club. It dramatically splits open into a star-like flower shape, revealing a pale to reddish-brown interior. This unique transformation sets it apart visually.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassPezizomycetesOrderPezizalesFamilyChorioactidaceaeGenusChorioactis
Category
FungiRarity
Epic
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's the only known fungus to make an audible hissing sound when releasing its spores!
Scientists still don't fully understand the amazing mechanics behind its loud spore puff.
Sometimes it's called the 'Texas Star fungus' because of its unique look and location!
This rare fungus is only found in very specific parts of the world, like Texas and Japan.
Special abilities
Ability
Explosive Spore Burst
Devil's Cigar can release its dark brown spores with an audible puff or hiss, helping them spread far and wide.
Ability
Shape-Shifting Star
Devil's Cigar has a tough, leathery outer layer that splits open into a star shape, protecting its inner spore mass.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-15 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-30 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Fall and winter
- Spore Color
- Dark brown
Ecological connections
depends on
Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Grows on dead or decaying logs of this tree species.
depends on
Giant Stag Beetle
Lucanus elaphus
Its larvae feed on decaying wood, sharing the fungus's habitat.
eats
Hairy Fungus Beetle
Typhaea stercorea
Feeds on various fungi found on decaying wood.
Traits
Night Blooming
Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance.
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Threatened
Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions.
Also known as
Cigar MushroomDevil's Cigar Mushroom
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Devil's Cigar?
5-15 cm
Is Devil's Cigar edible?
inedible
How big is Devil's Cigar?
10-30 cm
Where is Devil's Cigar usually found?
Woodlands and forests
What does Devil's Cigar grow on?
wood
When is Devil's Cigar in season?
Fall and winter
What color are Devil's Cigar spores?
Dark brown
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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