Common Stinkhorn Fungi (Day)

Common Stinkhorn Fungi (Day) - The Stinkhorn has a cap that is conical, with a flat, disc-shaped top, usually about 2.5-5.5 cm wide, filled with a mass of "chambers" to contain the green spore mass. Because of this spore mass, the chambers are not visible at first, as they are totally covered by the slimy green mass. The cap itself is a whitish cream colour. The stem is about 12-22 cm high, chambered, brittle, hollow, widest towards the base, usually about 2.5-4.5 cm thick, white, later however some become more creamy in colour. The smell is strong and unpleasant. The fungus uses its strong smell to attract insects, which then eat the green spore mass. This spreads the spores of the fungus. It grows under deciduous as well as coniferous trees, on most soils. However, it is particularly fond of reasonably nutritious soil.