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Elegant stinkhorn

Mutinus elegans

A species of Mutinus, Also known as Dog stinkhorn

The elegant stinkhorn has a distinctive appearance and smell, hence the name "stinkhorn". The spores of this odd-looking mushroom must be dispersed by insects, particularly flies. The mushroom produces its odorous, spore-thick slime in order to attract these insects and attach its spores to their bodies.

Odor:

Strong, unpleasant when fresh.

General Info About Elegant stinkhorn

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Attributes of Elegant stinkhorn

Height

1 - 15 cm

Stem

Stem 1 - 15 cm long, 1.5 - 2 cm thick; cylindrical, tapers to a narrow apex; bright red to reddish orange, pinkish white

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Olive

Odor

Strong, unpleasant when fresh.

Body Color

Red

White

Orange

Pink

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Elegant stinkhorn

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Flesh

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Habitat of Elegant stinkhorn

The elegant stinkhorn grows in woods, meadows, and also a wide array of cultivated and landscaped areas such as lawns, gardens, and parks. It feeds on wood chips, wood mulch, or decaying wood buried in the soil.

Scientific Classification of Elegant stinkhorn

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Stinkhorn allies

Family

Stinkhorn mushrooms

Genus

Mutinus

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Tips for Finding Elegant stinkhorn

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Elegant stinkhorn

Rich, moist, humus-laden soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Elegant stinkhorn

Seek out areas with high organic matter, like decomposed wood or mulch.
Inspect garden spaces, especially those that are well-maintained with organic compost.
Check around the bases of trees and bushes in woodland areas, focusing on moist ground.
Visit locations with a history of elegant stinkhorn sightings, as they tend to reappear in the same spots.
Look for them where the soil remains undisturbed, away from heavily trafficked paths.