The Texas star (aka devils cigar) (Chorioactis geaster) is among the world's rarest fungi. They are found only on the Japanese island Kyushu and in several Texas counties--and the woods on our Texas place. They emerge as a dark brown or black capsule that resembles a cigar. After a rain, the capsule opens. Fungal spores are occasionally released in white clouds that resemble smoke. It is only one of a dozen or so species that makes an audible hiss when spores are released. (less info)