Stinkhorn fungi, known for their unusual forms and powerful odors, are a distinctive group often found in gardens and woodlands. Their strong, unpleasant smell usually precedes their visual discovery. This unique appearance and reproductive strategy sets them apart.
Recognizing Stinkhorns
Stinkhorns develop through distinct stages. They begin as small, round to oval “witch’s eggs,” typically white, pinkish, or purplish, found partially submerged in soil or mulch. When cut open, these eggs reveal a gelatinous interior surrounding the developing mushroom.
From this egg stage, the mature stinkhorn emerges rapidly, sometimes within minutes or a few hours. Many species, particularly those in the genus Phallus, develop a phallic or horn-like shape, giving the group its common name. Other varieties appear as latticed balls, like the basket stinkhorn, or slender, finger-like structures such as the elegant stinkhorn. Mature fungi often display stems ranging in color from white to beige, olive, bright orange, or red, topped with a cap covered in a dark, slimy, olive-green to brownish-black substance.
The Purpose of Their Potent Odor
Stinkhorns are known for their intense, foul odor, frequently described as resembling rotting flesh, carrion, dung, or sewage. This powerful smell is produced by the gleba, a sticky, spore-bearing slime coating the mushroom’s cap. The gleba is often olive-green to dark brown and has a slimy consistency.
The primary purpose of this strong, offensive scent is to attract insects, particularly flies. Flies are drawn to the odor, mistaking it for decaying organic matter, and land on the gleba. As they feed on the slime, they pick up microscopic spores. Unlike most fungi that rely on wind for spore dispersal, stinkhorns use insects to spread their spores, either through digestion or by deposition as flies move to new locations.
Ecological Role and Safety
Stinkhorns play a beneficial role in natural ecosystems as saprophytic fungi. They are decomposers, breaking down dead organic materials such as wood chips, leaf litter, and buried stumps. This process helps recycle nutrients into the soil, contributing to its health and fertility.
Stinkhorns are generally not considered harmful to living plants or lawns. While some “egg” stages are reported edible in certain cultures, consumption is not widely recommended due to potential misidentification with toxic fungi. For pets, particularly dogs, the strong smell can be attractive, leading to ingestion. While rarely causing serious toxicity, eating stinkhorns might result in mild gastric upset.
Dealing with Stinkhorns in Your Space
Stinkhorns are typically short-lived, with mature specimens often disappearing within a few days. If their presence or odor becomes undesirable, manual removal is an option. Digging out the entire mushroom, including its egg-shaped base, can help reduce their immediate appearance. It is advisable to seal removed fungi in a plastic bag before disposal to contain the smell.
Complete eradication of stinkhorns is difficult because the main body of the fungus, an extensive network called mycelium, remains underground. New fruiting bodies can continue to emerge from this hidden network. While no chemical treatments are recommended or effective, improving drainage in mulched areas or disturbing the mulch can sometimes discourage their growth. Despite their temporary and sometimes unpleasant nature, their role in breaking down organic matter benefits the soil.