Anemone stinkhorn

I learned that this was the first native Australian fungus to be formally described in 1792.
Beginning as a partly buried, whitish egg-shaped structure (see top of image), which then bursts open as a hollow white stalk with reddish arms. The orange/red star-shaped structure is covered in brown slime which attracts flies. The flies help to disperse the spores.

Can grow to a height of 10 cm.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Great find! How was the odour? It is as bad as described? Posted one month ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  I found another species of stinkhorn back in April - and this group had that same rotting meat/faeces odour. With plenty of flies all around. Posted one month ago

NattyOne

Lion

Very colourful, Ruth! Nice spot.
Posted one month ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you. Just a quick shot given the unpleasant, powerful smell. Posted one month ago

The Anemone stinkhorn

"Aseroe rubra", commonly known as the anemone stinkhorn, is a common and widespread basidiomycete fungus recognizable for its foul odour of carrion and its sea anemone shape when mature. Found in gardens on mulch and in grassy areas, it resembles a red star-shaped structure covered in brownish slime on a white stalk. It attracts flies, which spread its spores.

Info 4 0

Similar species: Phallales

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman