Phallus multicolor. Yellow Netted Stinkhorn. Fruit body starting as a large white "egg" 4-6cm across, then rupturing to release the spongy stem and head. Head bell-shaped, deeply pitted-reticulate, 4-5cm deep, attached to stem at center by a white circlet surrounding the open pore at top of stem; lower margin of head is free with a prominent yellow netlike indusium, or veil, which is 3-6cm deep. Stem 100-150 x 30-45mm, hollow, of a cellular, sponge-like structure; white. Spore mass on outer surface of head is deep olive; solid then soon liquid, and with a very fetid odor. Spores ellipsoid, smooth, 3.5-4.5 x 1-2µ. Habitat frequent in soil around deciduous trees and stumps. Found in eastern North America. Season June-October. Edible in egg stage but not recommended. Comment The common stinkhorn of Europe, Phallus impudicus Pers., is sometimes reported in North America, but many or all of these records actually refer to the closely related species Phallus hadriani Vent. ex Pers. (syn. Phallus imperialis Schulzer), which differs in its pink rather than white egg, broader apical disc on head, and preference for warmer regions. The second and third pictures come to me from David Norbert, many thanks. |