Nutsrok

I was startled to find this bizarre Stinkhorn mushroom growing in my flower bed. Naturally, I had to research it.. It’s remarkable for its phallic shape and noxious odor. It was likely brought in with mulch. Stinkhorns are characterized by their rapid growth, often described as bursting from an “egg”. The foul smell, described as rotting meat or sewage, attracts insects that help disperse the mushroom’s spores. 

This ugly critter grew several inches in an hour and was greatly reduced by the next day.

The nasty odor is reminiscent of rotten meat, fish or sewage.rotten meatatly, decaying flesh, or sewage. This smell attracts insects like flies, which then carry the spores to new locations. 

Though the Stinkhorn is non-toxic, I wasn’t tempted to eat it because of its terrible smell. It is beneficial because it helps break down organic matter.I have seen several more each day. I wish they’d move on.