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Devil's stinkhorn

Phallus rubicundus

A species of Stinkhorns

The repugnant smell and odd shape of the devil's stinkhorn (Phallus rubicundus) create a memorable mushroom-hunting encounter. The elongated cap stretches down the stem like a hood, but chances are you'll smell this mushroom before you ever see it. Even one single fruitbody can emit a powerful odor, which has been compared to rotting flesh or roadkill.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 3.5 cm

Odor:

Strong and unpleasant smell.

General Info About Devil's stinkhorn

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Attributes of Devil's stinkhorn

Cap Diameter

2 - 3.5 cm

Height

9 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 3.5 cm across; conic; red to pink; smooth, finely wrinkled

Stem

Stem 8 - 13 cm long, 1.5 - 2 cm thick; cylindric, swollen in the middle or below; pink to pale orange

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Volva

Volva 1 - 2 cm long; white, brown-stained; attached

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Strong and unpleasant smell.

Body Color

Brown

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, Leaf or Needle Litter, Wood Chips or Mulch

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Wide distribution

Endangered Species

How to Identify Devil's stinkhorn

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Devil's stinkhorn

The devil's stinkhorn is widespread throughout tropical and subtropical regions, in urban settings and disturbed areas such as parks, lawns, gardens, and garden beds. It grows on wood chips and leaf litter.

Scientific Classification of Devil's stinkhorn

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Stinkhorn allies

Family

Stinkhorn mushrooms

Genus

Stinkhorns

Similar Species to Devil's stinkhorn

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Tips for Finding Devil's stinkhorn

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Devil's stinkhorn

Rich, moist, well-decayed organic material.

What are Some Tips for Finding Devil's stinkhorn

Inspect urban green spaces such as parks or gardens where organic material may accumulate.
Search through leaf litter and near woodchip mulch commonly used in landscaping.
Look for devil's stinkhorn growing alone or in groups in areas with rich, moist soil.
Be observant of devil's stinkhorn's distinctive appearance, which makes them stand out in their typical habitats.
Gently probe beneath the surface of suitable habitats to uncover hidden devil's stinkhorn specimens.

How to Clean and Preserve Devil's stinkhorn

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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