Costa Rica Species
Phallus indusiatus
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

Phallus indusiatus

Bridal Veil Fungus

Vent., 1798

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Distinctive fungus featuring a fruiting body with a white, spongy stalk topped by a conical cap (pileus) covered in an olive-green slimy gleba. Its most famous feature is a delicate white lace skirt (indusium) that unfurls from the pileus to almost touch the ground.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Hongo de redHongo de veloBamboo fungusLong net stinkhornZhusun

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.Phallus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Vent., 1798
Record Completeness
93%
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.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

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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.

Wet Season

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

Found in humid tropical forests and areas rich in plant debris across Asia, Africa, America, and Australia. It grows in soils with abundant decaying organic matter, especially near bamboo and tropical trees.

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

Its growth is extremely fast; the indusium can unfurl in just a few hours. It emits a strong fetid odor (similar to decaying meat or excrement) that attracts flies and other insects needed to transport its spores.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

15.0 - 25.0 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

Indusium structure that increases the surface area for fragrance emission and serves as a platform for insects.
Slimy and sticky gleba that ensures spores adhere to the legs and bodies of visiting insects.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Destruction of forest habitat due to deforestation and urbanization.
Excessive use of chemical fungicides in agricultural areas and gardens.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

In China, it is considered a gourmet delicacy and is commercially cultivated for soups and traditional dishes due to its perceived health benefits.
The complete fruiting body has an ephemeral life, generally lasting less than 24 to 48 hours once unfurled.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.