A s mall earthstar with narrow velvety rays and a smooth spore sac; NZ lineage resembling G. velutinum but genetically distinct.

Basidiome (immature): Subglobose, 1.5-3 cm diam., pale brown to reddish-brown. Outer peridium velvety or finely tomentose, often with a soft matte texture even before splitting. Surface may show faint cracking as it expands.
Basidiome (mature): Fully expanded diameter 3-6 cm, with the exoperidium splitting into 5-7 narrow rays.
Rays: Narrow, evenly tapered, giving a starburst appearance. Outer surface distinctly velvety / felted - the key diagnostic feature. Inner surface pale buff to tan, smooth or slightly fibrous. Rays reflex strongly, often lifting the spore sac above the substrate. No collar or apophysis is ever formed.
Spore sac: Small, typically 1-1.8 cm diam. Smooth, evenly coloured grey-brown. Apex with a simple, non‑beaked peristome. Gleba white when young, becoming dark brown and powdery at maturity.
Rhizomorphs: Slender, white, attached at the base of the spore sac.