How long do Stinkhorn's take to develop?

[Bill S]

Hi all

I know this is a bit of a how long is a piece of string question because the growth rate will depend on environmental conditions. But are we talking a week, several weeks or just a couple of days?

The reason for asking is I spotted several " eggs " on a walk the other day and would like to go back for a picture, but work and the distance to walk to where I saw them are all impacting on when I can get back there. Any clues would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all

Cheers

Bill

[Norwich Girl]

I have read that they can develop very rapidly given the right conditions, the fastest reported being just 90 hours from egg to full size. I've no first hand evidence of seeing this happen myself however.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Bill S

Hi all

I know this is a bit of a how long is a piece of string question because the growth rate will depend on environmental conditions. But are we talking a week, several weeks or just a couple of days?

The reason for asking is I spotted several " eggs " on a walk the other day and would like to go back for a picture, but work and the distance to walk to where I saw them are all impacting on when I can get back there. Any clues would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all

Cheers

Bill

Hi Bill

The egg stage can last a month or two depending on temperature and humidity. The actual developed fruitbody only takes a matter of hours (3 to 6).

If you search the forum you should find a similar thread where I give more accurate times and examples.

The dog stinkhorn 'wilt's' in just a few hours from emerging from the egg stage, which is why you often see them on their sides.

John

[Bill S]

Thanks both, looks like I need to check back regularly if I want to get a good photo.

Bill

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by Bill S

Thanks both, looks like I need to check back regularly if I want to get a good photo.

Bill

key thing is once the egg starts it isn't growing - it's expanding through hydrostatic pressure - there is no development of new cells etc

you can be talking relatively little time - only a few hours - I've heard people say that in some cases you can almost see them 'growing' in real time

time-lapse photography from a fixed point could be (smelly) fun!

cheers

Chris

[Norwich Girl]

I should edit my post to read 90 mins, not hours! (New here haven't worked out where the edit button is :S ) Yes in relation to the last post they can grow at 0.5 cm per min and you can apparently hear them making a crackling sound as they grow

[NickCantle]

Woo a local fungus yokel