FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Clathrus columnatus
Column Stinkhorn
Bosc, 1811
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An bizarre epigeous fungus that develops from a soft, whitish, gelatinous underground egg-like structure. Upon maturity, the egg bursts to release an erect receptaculum consisting of 2 to 5 vertical, spongy, hollow columns. These arms are bright orange to vivid red, beautifully arched, and fused together at the apex. The upper inner surface of the columns bears a slimy, olive-brown to blackish spore mass (gleba) that emits a highly repulsive, fetid carrion-like odor.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Phallales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Phallaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Clathrus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Bosc, 1811
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Decomposer
EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Commonly found in subtropical and warm temperate regions. It thrives as a saprophyte on organic rich soils, decomposing leaf litter, heavily mulched garden beds, lawns, urban parks, and sandy soils near coastal woodlands. It is frequently observed growing abundantly on decaying wood chips and agricultural residues during hot, humid periods.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An ephemeral, saprotrophic soil fungus with a highly explosive fruiting dynamic. The vegetative network lives silently underground breaking down woody mulch. Once atmospheric conditions trigger fruiting, the visible columnar arms emerge, sporulate via insect attraction, and collapse into a melting, slimy puddle within 24 to 48 hours, leaving no long-term surface trace.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 20.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Utilizes a highly advanced entomochorous (insect-assisted) spore dispersal strategy. By mimicking the visual appearance and chemical volatile compounds of decaying animal flesh, it attracts calliphorid flesh flies and beetles, which consume the gleba and transport the spores to new locations.
The subterranean embryonic 'egg' phase acts as a vital protective hydraulic shield, containing a thick layer of nutrient-rich water gel that fuels the lightning-fast expansion of the vertical columns within just a few hours during humid mornings.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Intensive application of broad-spectrum chemical fungicides in urban lawns, commercial landscape management, and agricultural zones, which eradicates the hidden underground vegetative mycelium from the soil matrix.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The expansion of the column structure is so rapid that the transition from a closed underground egg to a fully upright, open 15 cm red column structure can take less than two to three hours on a warm tropical morning.