Stinkhorns

Written By Thomas Young

Family: Phallaceae

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Etymology: Let's be honest, if you've ever been near a stinkhorn, you'd immediately know where the "stink" in its name comes from. If you haven't, the stench can be described as that of rotten carrion. That being said, this odor does serve a purpose. It attracts all sorts of critters that pick up goo packed with spores, carrying them on their bodies for propagation. As for the second half of the name, I'll leave you with this: the type genus (which typifies the family Phallaceae) is named Phallus...

There are so many fungi part of the Stinkhorn family, so I have chosen a select few that I thought the scientific or common names were particularly interesting.

Phallus

Phallus serves as the type genus for the Stinkhorn genus, defining the family Phallaceae and lending its name to the family. However, let's be frank – do I truly need to delve into the reasons behind naming this mushroom Phallus?

Common Names

Phallus indusiatus (See Image)

  • Bamboo Mushrooms

  • Bridal Veil

  • Veiled Lady

Mutinus

Much like the type genus Phallus, the genus Mutinus doesn't shy away from embracing its distinctive appearance. The mushrooms in this genus take their name from the Phallic Marriage deity Mutunus Tutunus, whose appearance fittingly aligns with his title.

Common Names

Mutinus elegans (See Image)

  • Devil's Dipstick

Mutinus caninus

  • Dog Stinkhorn

Image taken by Nick Harris (source)

Clathrus

The name Clathrus fungi has a more refined origin, derived from the Latin word "clathri," meaning lattice or gate. This term aptly describes many species within this genus, showcasing their capacity to form intricate interlaced structures and patterns of striking beauty as they mature.

Common Names

Clathrus ruber (See Image)

  • Basket Stinkhorn

  • Red Cage Stinkhorn

Clathrus archeri

  • The Devil's Fingers

  • Octopus Stinkhorn

Image taken by Dave Gough (source)

Location: These mushrooms thrive in various locations worldwide, primarily favoring tropical areas or regions with warmer climates. Nevertheless, there have been documented instances of them appearing in colder environments, as far north as Alaska.

Ecological Group: These intriguing specimens are primarily saprophytic, indicating that they derive their nutrition by breaking down dead and decaying organic matter.

Edible? The edibility of stinkhorns varies, however, some are edible in their infant stage when they resemble an egg. These eggs can bear a striking resemblance to immature amanita mushrooms (such as the death cap), so it's crucial to be certain before consuming them. Keeping this in mind, it's worth noting that they are said to possess a radish-like taste and a crisp texture akin to water chestnuts.

Fun Fungal Facts!

    • According to R Gordon Wasson, a pioneer for ethnomycology, some Stinkhorns have been used by indiginoues groups in Mexico for divinatory purposes due to their phallic shape [1]

    • In the south east parts of India near Mysore, in Dravidian country, along with several eurasian resgians, it is believed that the thunder and lightening are linked to the several Stinkhorn species in the genus Phallus and Clathrus appearing. [2]

    1. Wasson, R. G. (1961). The hallucinogenic fungi of Mexico: an inquiry into the origins of the religious idea among primitive peoples. Botanical Museum Leaflets, Harvard University, 19(7), 137-162. Link

    2. Wasson, R. G., Kramrisch, S., & Ott, J. (1986). Persephone’s Quest: Entheogens and the Origins of Religion. Yale University Press.

Articles

Disclaimer: Please refrain from picking and consuming mushrooms without proper guidance. If you have an interest in learning how to forage, I strongly encourage you to join your local mycological society. You can find a list of clubs across America, organized by state, on the North American Mycological Society's website.

Thomas Young
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