Species details
Common stinkhorn
Phallus impudicus
Inedible
Photo: Dohduhdah · Public Domain · Photo source · License
Description
A distinctive foul-smelling fungus that rapidly grows from a white 'egg' into a tall white stalk with dark olive spore slime.
Identification features
The smell attracts flies that disperse spores; the head is honeycombed and coated in gleba.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A distinctive foul-smelling fungus that rapidly grows from a white 'egg' into a tall white stalk with dark olive spore slime. The smell attracts flies that disperse spores; the head is honeycombed and coated in gleba. Typical habitat: Gardens, parks, woodland edges, mulch and humus-rich soils.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Mutinus caninus, Phallus hadriani. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.
Habitat
Gardens, parks, woodland edges, mulch and humus-rich soils.
Fruiting period
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Dog stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus)
- Phallus hadriani