Now I'm disgusted. Yes, one of those GROSS, aLiEN forms have erupted in MY beautiful, tropical yard. With it's strange form, bright color, spongy flesh, bumpy texture and slimy dark muck, it arose from the depths overnight. Not one, but TWO! WHAT are they doing here? HOW did they get here? WHAT ARE THEY?!?!?!?!?!
If you've never seen it before, meet the STINKHORN fungus that has taken up residence in my garden.
Overhead, aerial view of the Clathrus Columnatus Stinkhorn Mushroom.
I think this is a portion of the egg sack that it erupts from.
This form has COLUMNS...others have arms or appendages that don't connect.
This one looks like it's newly "hatching".
Not sure if it's appendages will connect at the top or not.
Another view of the baby shroom.
Apparently, these distasteful things are spread by flies who are attracted to their stench and dark slime. ICK!!!
They're a bit interesting as they come in a variety of forms. Some look like sea creatures while others resemble a wiffle ball or even a part of the male anatomy. Bizarre!
Honestly, this is one mushroom that I'm not fond of or attracted to in any way, shape or form. I would be very pleased if it would leave and not come back. I would write more about it, but really am not inclined to do so. Therefore, if you'd like to read more about it and view more distasteful photos, I'll provide a couple of links I found while researching this unwelcome guest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phallaceae
http://www.mushroomexpert.com/stinkhorn_fame.html
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Mushrooms.Folder/Stinkhorns.html
I hope I NEVER have to blog about this alien form again!!
