Creature 268: Phallus indusiatus

Weird net like mushroom

Phallus indusiatus is a fungus which can be known under several common names, but I know it as the veiled lady mushroom.

It is a stinkhorn fungus which has a small cap with a ridiculous looking net-like structure (indusium) growing downwards from the edges. There are several theories as to what this structure is for, but it is not known for certain. It may not look like the type of mushroom you can eat,  but it is edible and in fact is commonly eaten in parts of China.

It emits a foul odor to attract flies and other scavenging insects. Once the flies come in contact with the mushroom a spore filled slime sticks to them and if spread by the fly to a different area.

Description:

Phallus indusiatus has a pantropical distribution.

Classification:
Kingdom:Fungi
Phylum:Basidiomycota
Class:Agaricomycetes
Order:Phallales
Family:Phallaceae
Genus:Phallus
Species: Phallus indusiatus

Image Links:

http://imgur.com/gallery/eqFgO

http://www.bio-forum.pl/messages/33/21556.html

Creature 95: Clathrus archeri

A fungus that looks like an octopus.

Description:
Clathrus archeri is a fungus commonly known as Octopus stink-horn. This name may sound funny but it is actually quite descriptive. The mushroom of this fungus somewhat resembles an octopus and they smell like rotting flesh.

The fleshy lobes which look like octopus tentacles unfold from an egg shaped fleshy pod which is usually mostly above ground. They emerge from the pod joined but separate out and unfold as they grow.

The smell is an attempt to attract insects such as flies which enjoy feeding off rotting flesh. Unlike in flowers which employ similar tactics,  these fungi are seeking disperses bot pollinators. Their gleba are sticky enough to attach themselves to insects.  Interestingly enough,  despite the fact that they don't smell too appetizing,  you can eat the pods from which the tentacles emerge. Those who have tasted it generally don't recommend it as it tastes similar to its smell.

Distribution:
Octopus stink-horn is native to Australia but it has been introduced into several other parts of the world.

Classification:
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Phallales
Family: Phallaceae
Genus: Clathrus
Species: Clathrus archeri

Image Links:

http://www.kuriositas.com/2013/10/fungtopus-incredible-fungus-that-looks.html

http://www.treknature.com/gallery/photo12191.htm