Emma Wilson
Stinkhorn mushrooms are a family of fungi, Phallaceae, commonly known for their foul-smelling, sticky spore masses, or gleba. They are found worldwide, but are especially prevalent in tropical regions, cultivated areas, and woods. They are associated with rotting wood and are most commonly encountered in deciduous woods, though they may also be found in conifer woods or even grassy areas such as parks and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Stinkhorn |
| Scientific Name | Phallus impudicus |
| Region | Widespread across North America, Europe, Asia (including China, Taiwan, and India), Costa Rica, Iceland, Tanzania, Australia, and possibly others |
| Habitat | Cultivated areas like gardens and landscapes, mulched areas, meadows, deciduous woods, conifer woods, and grassy areas |
| Appearance | Phallic shape, white stem with a slimy, dark olive-colored conical head |
| Odor | Foul, resembling carrion or dung |
| Edibility | Edible in the egg stage, but not recommended for consumption due to potential confusion with poisonous species |
| Reproduction | Asexual by fragmentation; sexual via spores dispersed by invertebrates and insects |
| Growth Rate | Very rapid, up to 15 cm (6 in) per hour |
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What You'll Learn
Stinkhorn mushrooms are found in North America
Stinkhorn mushrooms are prevalent in North America, with dozens of species found across the continent. They are known for their distinctive phallic shape and putrid odour, often described as resembling rotting dung or carrion. This foul smell serves a purpose, attracting flies and other insects that aid in spore dispersal.
In North America, stinkhorns are commonly found west of the Mississippi River, although they have also been spotted in the Appalachian Mountains, northern states, and the Pacific Northwest. They favour cultivated areas like gardens and landscapes, as well as woodlands, particularly those with decaying wood or other organic matter. Stinkhorns are often associated with deciduous woods, where they fruit from summer to late autumn, but they can also be found in conifer woods and grassy areas.
The life cycle of a stinkhorn begins with the egg stage, where the immature mushroom is white, pinkish, or purplish, and typically found underground. As it matures, the stinkhorn emerges from the egg, showcasing its distinctive shape and emitting a strong odour. The stalk is usually hollow and spongy, and the cap is covered in brown spore slime, giving it an unpleasant appearance.
Stinkhorns are considered fast-growing fungi, sometimes expanding at a rate of 4-6 inches per hour, and they can exert enough force to push through asphalt. While they are not poisonous, they are often unwanted in gardens due to their unsightly appearance and pungent smell. However, they play an essential role in ecosystems by contributing to the recycling of plant debris, thereby improving soil fertility.
Stinkhorn mushrooms are not unique to North America, as they have a worldwide distribution, especially in tropical regions. They have been documented in Europe, Asia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Tanzania, and even Australia, showcasing their adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse environments.
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They are especially common west of the Mississippi River
Stinkhorn mushrooms, also known as Phallus impudicus, are a widespread species of fungus in the Phallaceae (stinkhorn) family. They are known for their foul odour and phallic shape when mature. They are edible, but only at the egg stage when the smell is less strong. The inner layer can be cut out and eaten raw, and it has a radish-like taste. They are commonly found in Europe and North America, especially west of the Mississippi River, and have also been found in Asia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Tanzania, and southeast Australia.
In North America, the common stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus) is most prevalent west of the Mississippi River, while Ravenel's stinkhorn (Phallus ravenelii) is more commonly found in the eastern regions. The common stinkhorn is typically associated with rotting wood and is often encountered in deciduous woods during the summer and late autumn. It may also be found in conifer woods or grassy areas, such as parks and gardens.
The distinctive feature of stinkhorn mushrooms is their method of spore dispersal. Unlike most mushrooms that spread spores through the air, stinkhorns produce a sticky spore mass on their tip with a pungent odour resembling rotting flesh or carrion. This odour attracts flies and other insects, which then carry the spores to new locations. The eggs of stinkhorn mushrooms can be found underground, and they rapidly mature into fully grown stinkhorns over a day or two.
Stinkhorn mushrooms have a worldwide distribution but are especially prevalent in tropical regions. They often appear in gardens, mulch, lawns, and areas with bare soil. While some people may find them unsightly or unpleasant due to their odour and appearance, they are not harmful and can even be beneficial in certain ecological contexts. For example, the fruiting of large numbers of stinkhorns can attract blow-flies, which help eliminate badger carcasses and reduce the risk of disease in badger colonies.
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They are prevalent in Europe
Stinkhorn mushrooms are prevalent across the world, especially in tropical regions. They are commonly found in parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Germany. In Europe, they are often encountered in deciduous woods, but can also be found in conifer woods, parks, gardens, and grassy areas. Stinkhorns are known for their pungent odour, resembling rotting flesh or dung, which attracts flies and other insects that aid in spore dispersal.
The common stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus) is a well-known variety found throughout Europe. It typically grows on decaying wood and is characterised by its phallic shape and strong odour. The immature stinkhorn is whitish or pinkish, egg-shaped, and measures around 4 to 6 cm in height and 3 to 5 cm in width. As it matures, the stinkhorn ruptures from its egg-like structure, revealing a conical-shaped cap coated in a dark, olive-green slime. The slime, known as gleba, contains the spores and is responsible for the mushroom's distinctive smell.
Stinkhorn mushrooms have a unique life cycle that contributes to their prevalence in certain regions. They begin as "eggs" underground or partially buried, with a white or purple/red outer layer called the peridium. As the mushroom matures, the peridium opens up, exposing the spore-bearing structure. The spores are initially covered by a slimy substance, which attracts insects that aid in dispersal. Flies, in particular, are drawn to the smell of the stinkhorn and play a crucial role in spreading the spores to new locations.
Stinkhorn mushrooms are not limited to Europe and can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Australia. In North America, they are widespread across the Appalachian Mountains, northern states, and the Pacific Northwest, with a higher prevalence west of the Mississippi River. In Asia, stinkhorns have been collected in China, Taiwan, India, and southeast Australia. The diversity of habitats and climates in these regions provides suitable conditions for the growth and dispersal of stinkhorn mushrooms.
While stinkhorn mushrooms are prevalent in Europe and other parts of the world, their distribution is also influenced by various factors. They are often introduced into new areas through organic materials, such as soils and mulches, that contain microscopic fungal threads. Additionally, insects, particularly flies, play a significant role in dispersing the spores to new locations, contributing to the widespread distribution of stinkhorn mushrooms.
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They are found in Asia, including China, Taiwan and India
Stinkhorn mushrooms are found in Asia, including China, Taiwan, and India. In China, the stinkhorn mushroom is known as "bamboo mushroom" in reference to its typical growth habitat. In Taiwan, the mushroom is known as Dictyophora indusiata or "basket stinkhorn", and can be found in the Taiwan Mushroom Museum in Taichung County's Wufeng Rural Township. The museum is Taiwan's only mushroom-related museum and one of only two mushroom museums in the world. In India, the stinkhorn mushroom has been used by the Yoruba people, who call it Akufodewa, as a component of a charm to make hunters less visible in times of danger. The mushroom's strong odour, which can be reminiscent of rotting flesh or dung, is said to attract hunters who mistake the smell for that of a dead animal.
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They are found in tropical regions
Stinkhorn mushrooms are most commonly found in tropical regions. They are a family of fungi, known for their foul-smelling, sticky spore masses, or gleba, which is borne on the end of a stalk. The stinkhorn mushroom is one of the fastest-growing mushrooms in the world, extending by 5mm per minute. They are often first introduced into a garden in organic materials (e.g. soils and mulches) that contain fungal threads.
Stinkhorns are found in mulch, lawns, and areas with bare soil. They are especially prevalent in tropical regions, including Florida and the Gulf Coast region, and are also common in parts of Europe and North America, such as the Appalachian Mountains, northern states, and the Pacific Northwest. They have also been collected in Asia, including China, Taiwan, India, and southeast Australia.
The mushroom's spores are distributed by flies and other insects attracted to the smell of the gleba, which resembles rotting flesh or dung. The stinkhorn's distinctive odour is created by volatile compounds, including dimethyl oligosulfides, aroma-active phenylalanines, and terpenoids. The gelatinous layer of the stinkhorn contains high concentrations of potassium, calcium, manganese, and iron, which contribute to the mushroom's growth and odour.
Stinkhorns are edible and even considered a delicacy in some places, such as China, where they are commercially grown and used in recipes. They can be eaten raw when in the egg stage, and the flavour is said to resemble radishes or hazelnuts.
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Frequently asked questions
Stinkhorn mushrooms have a worldwide distribution, but they are especially prevalent in tropical regions. They are commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, Australia, and Costa Rica.
Stinkhorn mushrooms are widespread across North America, with a concentration west of the Mississippi River. They are commonly found in gardens, landscapes, woods, and areas with rotting wood.
Stinkhorn mushrooms are prevalent throughout Europe, particularly in deciduous and conifer woods, as well as grassy areas such as parks and gardens.
Yes, stinkhorn mushrooms are known to be more common in certain regions of North America, such as the Appalachian Mountains, the northern states, and the Pacific Northwest. They are also frequently found in California.
