#phallaceae

[drhoz]

#3548 - Ileodictyon gracile - Smooth Cage Fungus

One last species from Julimar that I somehow missed discussing earlier - one of the Buckyball Stinkhorns.

Both species in the genus are native to Australia, and unfold from an egg-like, slime-filled fruiting body, and spread their spores with the aid of flies. Second photo shows an egg that has just split open.

I. gracile is native to Australia, may have been introduced to Asia, China, India, Japan, and Korea, and has definitely been introduced to England, Italy, and the Iberian Peninsula.

Julimar State Forest, WA

[sheahuntphotography]

My first time seeing - and photographing - a stinkhorn. I was so excited I may have done a little jump and squeal!

04/08/2025

[rattyexplores]

Stinkhorn Mushrooms

The appearance of these mushrooms is quite alien, yet familiar.

Phallus merulinus

11/05/22

[wtfearth123]

Clathrus ruber is a species of fungus in the family Phallaceae. It is commonly known as the latticed stinkhorn, the basket stinkhorn, or the red cage. The fungus is saprobic and feeds off decaying woody plant material. The fruit body initially appears like a whitish “egg” attached to the ground at the base by cords called rhizomorphs.

[nature-and-biodiversity-blog]

Veiled Lady Mushroom Phallus indusiatus

[rave-demon]

Phallaceae      a.k.a. Stinkhorn Mushroom

You’re welcome. 🍄

[briery]

Mutinus elegans. Single fruit body in leaf litter under oaks and mixed hardwood.  Odor detectable, but not overwhelming at all from behind camera.

[mushroomgay]

Oxford, UK, April 2018

Phallaceae family

These are stinkhorn eggs! Stinkhorns start off inside a universal veil, a sack-like membrane that covers the entire fungus, which it will break through as it matures.

This specimen is most likely Phallus impudicus, the common stinkhorn, which, like many stinkhorns, is known for its awful smell, designed to attract the flies that will distribute its spores. 

Another possibility is Mutinus caninus, the dog stinkhorn, which is rather less smelly.

Both will erupt from their egg and fully mature in a matter of hours, and last for only a day or two, so I’ll keep checking back every few days and hopefully I’ll get lucky enough to see them in their full glory!