Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Clathrus ruber is a saprobic fungus in the stinkhorn family, easily recognizable for its striking appearance. It is characterized by a lattice-like or cage-like structure, typically bright red or orange, and emits a foul odor to attract insects for spore dispersal.
How to Identify
- Cap
- There is no distinct cap. The entire structure forms a reticulated cage.
- Gills
- No gills are present.
- Stem
- There is no true stem. The base of the structure is attached to the substrate, often with rhizomorphs.
- Flesh
- The flesh is spongy and fragile, with a reddish or orange hue. It is not substantial, being mostly air space within the lattice.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a hollow, spherical or ovoid lattice-like structure resembling a cage. It typically starts as a whitish 'egg' before expanding. The mature structure is composed of interconnected, spongy arms.
- Habitat
- Typically found in leaf litter, wood chips, gardens, and grassy areas. Often found in disturbed ground and can be associated with decaying woody material.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Reticulated, lattice-like
- Growth Form: Stinkhorn, lattice structure
- Spore Print: Olive-brown (gleba)
- Body color: Typically bright red or orange, can vary
- Odor: Strong, putrid odor
- Flesh bruises: Not applicable
- Height: Up to 20 cm
- Cap Diameter: Up to 15 cm (overall diameter of the cage)
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Toxic
Moderate ToxicityClathrus ruber is generally considered inedible due to its foul odor and potential to cause gastrointestinal upset. While not definitively classified as highly toxic, consumption is not recommended.
Quick Check
- Odor: Strong, putrid, carrion-like odor
- Fruiting: Distinctive red or orange lattice-like cage structure emerging from a whitish 'egg'.
- Substrate: Decaying organic matter, leaf litter, wood chips, and garden soils.
Where to Find
Europe
Widespread in Southern Europe, particularly in Mediterranean regions, although distribution is expanding northward.
North America
Found predominantly in warmer regions, such as California and the southeastern United States. Occurrence is less common in cooler climates.
Australia
Observed in some areas, typically associated with introduced garden materials.
Finding Tips
Seasonal Occurrence
Most commonly found during the warmer months (late summer and autumn), especially after periods of rain.
Habitat Clues
Look for it in gardens, mulched areas, and places with decaying organic matter. The distinct odor can help locate specimens from a distance.
Initial Stage
Be aware of the 'egg' stage, which can be easily overlooked. Disturbed soil is a good indication to look for it.
Similar Species
Clathrus crispus
Fungus
Also known as: Lattice Stinkhorn
Ileodictyon cibarium
Fungus
Also known as: Basket Fungus, White Cage Fungus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Phallales
- Family
- Phallaceae
- Genus
- Clathrus
Explore Honeycomb Coral Mushroom
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.