Stinkhorn
The stinkhorns are a family of fungi, the Phallaceae. Belonging to the fungal order Phallales, the Phallaceae have a worldwide distribution, but are especially common in tropical regions. Their mushrooms are foul-smelling, sticky spore masses, or gleba, on the end of a stalk.
| Phallaceae | |
|---|---|
| |
| The common stinkhorn, Phallus impudicus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | Phallaceae
|
Their mushroom distinguishes the Phallaceae from other families in the Phalalles. The spore mass smells of carrion or dung, and attracts flies and other insects to help disperse the spores. Although a great diversity of body structure shape exists between the various genera, all species in the Phallaceae begin their development as oval or round structures known as "eggs". According to a 2008 estimate, the family contains 21 genera and 77 species.[1]
Stinkhorn Media
A close shot of the Stinkhorn mushroom growing on the fertile soils of the Mount Cameroon national park
A bisected stinkhorn egg (Phallus impudicus)
Bridal veil stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus)
Stinkhorn (Aseroë rubra) in the camping ground at Springbrook, Queensland. Note: The lack of the brown spores may be a result of recent heavy rain, or may simply not have yet appeared.
Clathrus columnatus
The fungus Laternea triscapa Turpin. Specimen photographed in Reserva Rio Macho, camino a Belen, Navarro, Cartago, Costa Rica.
Close-up of the apex of Lysurus mokusin (Cibot: Pers.) Fries showing separating "arms". Specimen found in Burbank, Los Angeles Co., California, USA.
.jpg)
References
- ↑ Kirk P.M. et al 2008. Dictionary of the Fungi. 10th ed, Wallingford: CABI. p. 519. ISBN 978-0-85199-826-8