All white - roughly inkcap shape?

Geoff F · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 05:29 PM

Hello. Fungi are generally something that I tend to pass by, as I get sufficiently confused amongst the insects and spiders! However this specimen was in my garden and too unusual leave. At least unusual for me - but probably very simple in reality.

S. Devon. About 5 ins high and 1 ins diameter. Very spongy with hollow stem.

I've checked my limited fungi reference material and can't quite identify it. So can anybody point me in the right direction.

TeresaW · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 05:31 PM

That's a stinkhorn, Phallus impudicus. Didn't you smell it? It usually has a brown liquid over the tip, very attractive to flies, but it really does smell.

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 07:22 PM

Thanks for the answer.

No smell whatsoever, from start of growth to finish. That is part of what has confused me. Other years there has been a stinkhorn smell from a nearby hedge but I never located it's origin.

Also, I always thought stinkhorns had a darkish cap while this one is pure white allover. But after searching through some photos I find that all white versions are possible. So another bit of information for me to file away!
.

fairplay · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 08:16 PM

Hi Geoff,

I've never come across or known of white forms of these, although there is no reason why there shouldn't be.
What is shown in the photo is the remains of the fungus after the flies have taken away all the browny green slime containing the spores.

It is this slime which produces the smell.

Neil.

Geoff F · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 05:53 PM

No slime or smell whatsoever on this specimen.

It was beside my garden path and I walked past several times each day. When I first noticed this fungi it was part grown and about 2 ins high. After 3 days, during a break in the dull weather, I went to photograph it and found that it had started to topple over with the stem base ripped or eaten.

Could it be that the weather or insect attack had caused it to topple before it had chance to produce the slime? I don't know how long it takes before smelly slime appears.

Geoff23 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

No slime or smell whatsoever on this specimen.

It was beside my garden path and I walked past several times each day. When I first noticed this fungi it was part grown and about 2 ins high. After 3 days, during a break in the dull weather, I went to photograph it and found that it had started to topple over with the stem base ripped or eaten.

Could it be that the weather or insect attack had caused it to topple before it had chance to produce the slime? I don't know how long it takes before smelly slime appears.

The slime has been and gone.