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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Among the fascinating array of flora in the Lone |
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Star State, one of the most unique species, both in appearance and |
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life cycle, is the Texas star mushroom; and |
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WHEREAS, This extremely rare mushroom, known scientifically |
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as Chorioactis geaster, was first collected in Austin in 1893 and is |
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nearly exclusive to Texas, with Japan being the only other place in |
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the world with a notable population; highly selective about where |
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it chooses to grow, the mushroom's Texas range is limited to the |
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central and northern parts of the state and includes Fayette, |
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Guadalupe, Hays, Travis, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and Hunt |
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Counties; and |
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WHEREAS, The Texas star appears in winter, most commonly on |
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the exposed roots and decaying stumps of cedar elm trees; it emerges |
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as a dark brown capsule about four inches in length, which inspired |
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its nickname, the devil's cigar; and |
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WHEREAS, After rains, the mushroom explodes open with an |
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audible hiss, seemingly puffing smoke as it fills the air with a |
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cloud of spores that waft away to help ensure a future generation |
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for the species; in addition to its other memorable traits, the |
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mushroom, once opened, has a starlike shape that makes it seem |
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custom designed for the Lone Star landscape; and |
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WHEREAS, A poignant reminder of the natural diversity that |
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surrounds us, the Texas star mushroom is as uncommon and striking as |
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the state that serves as its home, and it is indeed deserving of |
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special recognition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby designate the Texas star mushroom as the official State |
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Mushroom of Texas. |