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Phallus indusiatus is a striking mushroom known for its delicate, net-like structure (the indusium or 'veil') that hangs from beneath its cap. This saprobic fungus is found primarily in tropical regions and is famous for both its unique appearance and its edibility when young.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is conical, typically 2-4 cm high and 1.5-3 cm wide, pitted and ridged with a slimy, olive-brown gleba containing the spores. This gleba has a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts insects.
- Gills
- This mushroom does not have gills. Spores are contained within the gleba on the cap.
- Stem
- The stalk is cylindrical, spongy, and hollow, typically 15-25 cm tall and 2-4 cm in diameter, and white to pale cream in color.
- Flesh
- The flesh of the stalk is spongy and white.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body emerges from an off-white, egg-like structure. The mature mushroom consists of a stalk topped with a conical cap covered in a dark, olive-brown, slimy gleba. The most distinctive feature is the white, lacy indusium that hangs down from the cap, sometimes reaching the ground.
- Habitat
- Found in rich soil and leaf litter in tropical forests, bamboo forests, gardens, and well-mulched areas. Often appears after heavy rains.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Pitted and slimy when mature.
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups.
- Spore Print: Spores are contained within the olive-brown gleba on the cap.
- Body color: Stalk is white to pale cream; indusium is white; cap gleba is olive-brown.
- Odor: Strong, fetid odor when mature.
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise.
- Height: 15-25 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1.5-3 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic, decomposing organic matter.
Safe
SafeThe Bridal Veil Stinkhorn is considered edible *only* in its immature 'egg' stage. The mature fruiting body is not recommended for consumption due to its strong odor and taste. Some sources indicate that the mature mushroom is not poisonous, but the odor and taste make it unpalatable. Also, it is not safe for pregnant women or people with sensitive health condition. Always exercise extreme caution when consuming wild mushrooms.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mature specimens have a strong, fetid odor, while young 'eggs' have a mild, mushroomy scent.
- Fruiting: Grows from an egg-like structure, developing into a stalk with a cap and distinctive net-like indusium.
- Substrate: Grows saprobically in rich soil and decaying organic matter.
Where to Find
Tropical Forests
Prefers humid tropical environments with rich organic matter.
Bamboo Forests
Commonly found growing among bamboo groves where there is ample decaying vegetation.
Gardens and Mulched Areas
Can appear in gardens and areas with heavy mulching, especially in warmer climates.
Finding Tips
Look After Rain
The Bridal Veil Stinkhorn often fruits after periods of heavy rainfall, so search in suitable habitats a few days after a rain event.
Follow the Scent
The mature mushroom has a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts insects. If you smell something foul, investigate the area for the mushroom.
Check Rich Soil
Focus your search on areas with rich, well-draining soil and plenty of decaying organic matter.
Similar Species
Other Stinkhorn Species
Mushroom
Also known as: Various Phallus species
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Phallales
- Family
- Phallaceae
- Genus
- Phallus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2-4°C (Refrigerate)
- Refrigeration: 1-2 days (Egg stage only)
How to Clean
If harvesting the 'egg' stage for consumption, carefully remove any outer layers and wash gently. As a choice edible, this mushroom does not require cleaning. When cooking this mushroom, be sure to wash and cook thoroughly.
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