FungiIUCN NEIn Progress Recent Sighting
Mutinus elegans
Elegant Stinkhorn / Dog Stinkhorn
(Mont.) E.Fisch., 1888
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Mutinus elegans is a striking saprophytic fungus known for its cylindrical, pointed shape that emerges from a semi-buried white 'egg'. The fruiting body is a hollow, spongy, flexible stalk of an intense reddish-orange or pink color that fades toward the base. Unlike the Phallus genus, Mutinus does not have a separate head or cap; instead, the upper part of the stalk is where the gleba is deposited—a dark olive-green slimy mass containing the spores. This gleba emits a foul odor of decaying organic matter that attracts flies and other insects. It is a fast-growing fungus with an ephemeral life, frequently appearing on wood mulch or organic-rich soils after rainy periods.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Taxonomy
PhylumBasidiomycota
ClassAgaricomycetes
OrderPhallales
FamilyPhallaceae
GenusMutinus
Taxonomic Authority(Mont.) E.Fisch., 1888
Ecology & Status
Origin
Native
Population Trend
Stable
Edibility
--
Cap Shape
--
Hymenium Type
--
Fruiting Season
--
Recent Sightings
Yes
Habitat Summary Multi-lang
It inhabits humus-rich soils, gardens, parks with wood mulch, and mixed forests. It prefers high humidity and warm temperatures. It is common in urban and suburban areas where wood chips have been deposited. In Costa Rica, it commonly appears during the rainy season in gardens and forest areas of low and middle elevations.Substrate Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Behaviour Multi-lang
It is a key decomposer that helps transform dead wood and plant remains into soil nutrients. Its appearance is ephemeral, generally lasting less than 48 hours.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 18.0 cm
Hymenium Structures
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang
Foul Odor for Dispersal: The gleba produces volatile compounds that mimic carrion, attracting flies that carry spores on their legs, allowing dispersal in environments where wind is ineffective.
Rapid Hatching: The structure can fully expand in a few hours, minimizing exposure to adverse environmental conditions before releasing spores.
Main Threats Multi-lang
Fungicide use: In urban areas, it is often removed due to its appearance and odor, and the use of garden chemicals reduces its presence.
Interesting Facts Multi-lang
Devil's Egg: Before emerging, the fungus resembles a small rubbery egg. In this immature state, it is technically edible, although rarely consumed due to its later association with the foul odor.