Bill Text: TX SCR38 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Designating the Texas star mushroom as the official State Mushroom of Texas.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (N/A - Dead) 2021-04-12 - Referred to Administration [SCR38 Detail]
Download: Texas-2021-SCR38-Introduced.html
87R11498 CW-D | ||
By: Campbell | S.C.R. No. 38 |
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WHEREAS, Among the fascinating array of flora in the Lone | ||
Star State, one of the most unique species, both in appearance and | ||
life cycle, is the Texas star mushroom; and | ||
WHEREAS, This extremely rare mushroom, known scientifically | ||
as Chorioactis geaster, was first collected in Austin in 1893 and is | ||
nearly exclusive to Texas, with Japan being the only other place in | ||
the world with a notable population; highly selective about where | ||
it chooses to grow, the mushroom's Texas range is limited to the | ||
central and northern parts of the state and includes Fayette, | ||
Guadalupe, Hays, Travis, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and Hunt | ||
Counties; and | ||
WHEREAS, The Texas star appears in winter, most commonly on | ||
the exposed roots and decaying stumps of cedar elm trees; it emerges | ||
as a dark brown capsule about four inches in length, which inspired | ||
its nickname, the devil's cigar; and | ||
WHEREAS, After rains, the mushroom explodes open with an | ||
audible hiss, seemingly puffing smoke as it fills the air with a | ||
cloud of spores that waft away to help ensure a future generation | ||
for the species; in addition to its other memorable traits, the | ||
mushroom, once opened, has a starlike shape that makes it seem | ||
custom designed for the Lone Star landscape; and | ||
WHEREAS, A poignant reminder of the natural diversity that | ||
surrounds us, the Texas star mushroom is as uncommon and striking as | ||
the state that serves as its home, and it is indeed deserving of | ||
special recognition; now, therefore, be it | ||
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas | ||
hereby designate the Texas star mushroom as the official State | ||
Mushroom of Texas. |