A large, robust earthstar with thick, hygroscopic rays that crack into coarse plates and open widely in wet weather. Found in dry, sandy soils and strongly associated with bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). Distinguished by its broad rays, sessile spore sac, and dark brown gleba.

Basidiocarps: Subglobose to irregularly globose when young, often partially buried in soil or litter. At maturity, the exoperidium splits into 6-12 thick, leathery rays, forming a robust earthstar. Rays are broad, stiff, and hygroscopic, opening widely in moist conditions and closing tightly when dry. Mature fruitbody typically 30-80 mm across when rays are expanded.
Growth Habit: Occurs solitary or scattered, often in dry, sandy, or compacted soils. Rays may arch downward, lifting the spore sac above the substrate. Strongly hygroscopic behaviour is characteristic of the species.
Colour: Rays brown, grey‑brown, or ochre, often cracking into areolate plates with age. Inner spore sac grey‑brown to dark brown, smooth or finely roughened. Gleba olive‑brown to dark brown at maturity.
Substrate: Ectomycorrhizal, typically with Pteridium aquilinum (bracken) and sometimes with conifers or hardwoods. Found in open forest, scrub, bracken fields, and disturbed sandy soils.