Venturing into the damp, leafy confines of a British woodland, one might be greeted by a most peculiar and unforgettable sight: a pale, fleshy finger thrusting up from the soil. This is the Common Stinkhorn, or Phallus impudicus to give it its formal Latin name, and it is one of the UK's most extraordinary natural spectacles.
Its appearance is as startling as its name suggests. The fungus erupts from a gelatinous 'egg', rapidly growing into a phallic-shaped structure that can reach an impressive 15-20cm in height. But it is the Stinkhorn's unique method of reproduction that truly sets it apart. The tip of the fungus is coated in a thick, dark, and profoundly pungent slime known as the gleba.
The Scent of Decay
This gleba emits a powerful odour that is unmistakably and overwhelmingly reminiscent of rotting flesh or carrion. To the human nose, it is a foul, stomach-churning stench. Yet, this scent serves a vital purpose. It is a potent attractant for flies and other insects, which are drawn to the smell believing it to be a source of food or a place to lay their eggs.
These insects become unwitting gardeners. As they crawl over the slime, their legs become coated in microscopic spores. Flying away, they disperse these spores far and wide, ensuring the propagation of the next generation of fungi. It is a masterclass in evolutionary deception.
A Surprising Culinary Delicacy
Despite its grotesque appearance and horrific smell, the Stinkhorn holds a surprising secret: it is edible. However, timing is absolutely everything. The only stage at which it is considered palatable is during its 'egg' phase, before it has fully erupted and developed its infamous stench.
Foragers who bravely collect these eggs report that, once peeled and sliced, they can be eaten raw and possess a crisp, radish-like texture and a remarkably mild flavour. By the time the structure has matured and begun to produce its slime, it is considered inedible and is best admired from a respectful distance.
This remarkable fungus is a testament to the weird and wonderful diversity of UK nature. It is a species that challenges our perceptions of beauty and disgust, playing a crucial and efficient role in the delicate ecosystem of our woodlands.
