The name “stinkhorn” tells you a little bit about this disgusting mushroom. It has a long, white stalk with an oval, greenish cap on top, dripping with stinky, spore-filled slime. Like the disgusting red fungus, it reeks of rotten flesh – or sometimes smelly animal poo – to attract flies to land on it, helping to spread its spores. sPotting a stinKhorn Stinkhorns grow in Europe and North America, usually in forests or gardens. You may smell one before you see it – it’s a revolting, sickly-sweet smell that can make you feel ill. Then look out for its tall white stalk and flies buzzing around its tip. WitChes egg You might also see a stinkhorn “egg”! When the fungus first appears from underground, it’s inside an egg-like ball from which it then bursts out. Though not real eggs, these used to be called “witches’ eggs”, perhaps because they appeared mysteriously from the ground. stinky, but eDible The stinkhorn isn’t poisonous, and some people eat the “eggs”. The fungus has been used as a folk remedy to treat many illnesses, from aching joints to cancer! A disgusting fungus, but it has its uses and admirers. Flies love the rotting, pooey smell of stinkhorn!


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