Yesterday I posted these photos of some fungi I had found in my garden:

I didn't have a clue what they were, but this afternoon I was reading the May edition of "Gardening Australia Magazine" and found a nearly identical photo and a short article.

This is what they say:

Earth stars are double-layered puffball fungi. They are found in many parts of the world and are common in Australian forests where they grow among leaf litter. The thick leathery outer layer splits and forms a star shape, revealing a thin-skinned spore sac inside. The more downward curved the star is, the more mature the fungus is. Spores are released through a hole in on top of the spore sac when it is struck by rain drops. Earth stars are benficial fungi, feeding on decaying material and releasing nutrients into the soil.

Earth stars- nice name!