How to identify Stinkhorn

To correctly identify Stinkhorn (Phallaceae), 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.

   In species like Phallus impudicus, the cap (pileus) is conical or bell-shaped, 2-5 cm tall, reticulated (pitted and ridged), and covered with a dark olive-brown to black, slimy gleba. In other genera, a distinct cap may not be present, with the gleba covering other parts of the structure.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Stinkhorns do not possess gills. Spores are produced in a gleba.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem (stipe) is typically cylindrical, hollow, spongy, and white to yellowish, emerging from a cup-like volva at the base. It can range from 5-20 cm in height and 1-4 cm in diameter, depending on the species.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh of the mature fruiting body (stipe) is spongy and hollow. The 'egg' stage contains a firm, gelatinous layer surrounding the developing mushroom.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Emerges from a subterranean 'egg' (volva) which is white to off-white, gelatinous internally. The mature fruiting body varies significantly by genus and species within Phallaceae. Common forms include a cylindrical stalk topped with a conical, reticulated cap (e.g., Phallus impudicus) or a cage-like structure (e.g., Clathrus ruber). The most defining feature is the gleba, a dark olive-brown to black, slimy, and foul-smelling spore mass covering part of the fruiting body.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying wood, leaf litter, wood chips, or rich soil. Often found in gardens, lawns, disturbed areas, woodlands, and forests.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Reticulated (pitted and ridged) and covered with a slimy gleba in species like Phallus impudicus; absent or different in other genera.

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered, emerging from a subterranean 'egg'.

Spore Print

Olive-brown to black (from the gleba).

Body color

White to yellowish stipe, dark olive-brown to black gleba, white to off-white 'egg'.

Odor

Foul, putrid, carrion-like, attracting insects.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise significantly.

Height

5-20 cm (mature stipe).

Cap Diameter

2-5 cm (for species with a distinct cap like Phallus impudicus).

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable (gills absent).
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, hollow, spongy.
• Stem surface: Smooth to slightly wrinkled.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Hollow.

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