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Phallus impudicus

Stinkhorns are a type of fungi which produce a foul-scented, penis-shaped mushroom. They belong to the order Phallales. Their method of reproduction is different than most mushrooms, which use the air to spread their spores. Stinkhorns instead produce a sticky spore mass on their tip which has an odor of carrion, dung, or other things that attract flies. The flies land on the stinkhorn and in doing so collect the spore mass on their legs and carry it to other locations.

These fungi are theoretically edible, but few people have the urge to consume such small, foul-smelling mushrooms. However, after frying in oil they have a fishy taste.

Stinkhorns develop from round structures called 'eggs', which do not stink.
(in Wikipedia)


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