Scleroderma polyrhizum

Scleroderma polyrhizum, commonly known as the star earthball or dead man's hand, is a basidiomycete fungus and a member of the genus Scleroderma, or "earthballs". Found in dry, sandy soils, this species begins completely buried before slowly forcing the soil aside as it cracks apart to form a rough, star-shaped body with a diameter of 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in). At the center is the dark, brownish spore mass. Widely distributed wherever the soil and climate are favorable, it is known from Eurasia and the Americas. Members of the genus Scleroderma contain poorly understood toxins which, if ingested, cause a syndrome of vomiting and diarrhea with potential neurological symptoms....read more on Wikipedia.