How to identify Bridal Veil Stinkhorn

To correctly identify Bridal Veil Stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus), 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.

   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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   This mushroom does not have gills. Spores are contained within the gleba on the cap.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   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.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh of the stalk is spongy and white.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   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.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: No gills.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical.
• Stem surface: Spongy.
• Ring: No ring.
• Stem cross-section: Hollow.

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