How to identify Stinkhorn

To correctly identify Stinkhorn (Clathrus archeri), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Not applicable; this species does not have a distinct cap in the traditional sense. The gleba (spore-bearing tissue) covers the inner surfaces of the radiating arms.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable; this is a gasteromycete and does not produce gills. Spores are produced on the surface of the gleba.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Not applicable; there is no traditional stem. The arms emerge directly from the ruptured volva (remnant of the 'egg').

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The 'flesh' of the arms is spongy, fragile, and hollow. The immature 'egg' contains a firm, white, gelatinous inner layer that transitions to a reddish or pinkish color as it matures.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Initially, it appears as a whitish, gelatinous egg, 3-6 cm in diameter, often buried or partially buried in the substrate, with faint pinkish or reddish tints. As it matures, the egg ruptures, revealing 4-7 (occasionally more) slender, bright red to reddish-orange arms that radiate outwards. These arms are connected at their base and sometimes at the tip when young, but typically separate and become free as they mature. Each arm is 4-10 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, often tapering towards the tip. The inner surface of the arms is covered in a dark olive-brown to blackish-green, slimy, gelatinous gleba which produces the characteristic foul odor. The outer surface of the arms is typically paler and finely wrinkled. The arms are hollow, porous, and brittle.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying wood debris, leaf litter, wood chips, and sometimes in grassy areas or disturbed soil. It prefers moist, warm, and somewhat sheltered environments. Often found in gardens, mulched areas, woodlands, and urban parks.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable (gleba covers inner arm surfaces)

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered, emerging from an egg-like volva

Spore Print

Blackish-green to dark olive-brown (from the gleba)

Body color

White/pinkish (egg), bright red to reddish-orange (arms)

Odor

Strongly fetid, resembling decaying meat

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise in a distinct color change

Height

Arms typically 4-10 cm long, 'egg' 3-6 cm diameter

Cap Diameter

Not applicable

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable
• Stem shape: Not applicable (arms instead of a stem)
• Stem surface: Not applicable
• Ring: Not applicable
• Stem cross-section: Not applicable

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