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 ravenelii
Ravenel's Stinkhorn
Berk. & M.A.Curtis, 1873
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Phallus ravenelii is a saprophytic fungus iconic for its phallic shape and penetrating foul odor. It emerges from a buried white or pinkish egg-shaped structure (volva). Upon maturity, the fruiting body expands rapidly, forming a hollow, spongy, white to cream-colored stalk topped by a thimble-shaped head or receptacle. This head is covered by a dark olive-green slimy mass called gleba, which contains the spores and emits an odor of decaying meat to attract flies. Unlike other members of its genus, the surface of the receptacle under the gleba is smooth or slightly granular, not reticulated. It is an ephemeral organism that appears suddenly after heavy rains, decomposing organic matter on the forest floor.
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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.Phallus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Berk. & M.A.Curtis, 1873
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
It inhabits the soil of mixed forests, areas rich in mulch, gardens, and decaying wood. It prefers humid and shaded environments with abundant organic matter. It is commonly found in both primary forests and urban areas on wood chips or compost. In Costa Rica, its presence is frequently reported during the rainy season across various climatic zones, from lowlands to montane forests.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
It is a vital saprotroph that recycles nutrients in the ecosystem, breaking down cellulose and lignin from dead wood and plant remains. Its aerial life cycle is extremely short (1-2 days), but the underground mycelium can live for years spreading through the soil. Its relationship with flies is a mutualistic symbiosis: the fungus offers food (gleba) and the insect disperses the offspring.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 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
Zoochorous Dispersal by Deception: Unlike fungi that depend on wind, Phallus ravenelii uses chemical mimicry to attract dipterans (flies). Its putrid smell is an evolutionary adaptation for insects to ingest or carry the sticky gleba, dispersing spores to new organic substrates.
Rapid Hydraulic Expansion: The fruiting body can grow 10 to 15 cm in just a few hours through massive water absorption. This speed allows it to take advantage of short windows of high humidity to release its spores before drying out.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fungicide use and human removal: Due to its appearance and unpleasant odor to humans, it is often removed from gardens and parks, affecting its reproductive cycle in developed areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The Devil's Egg: In its immature stage, the fungus looks like a soft, rubbery buried egg. In some cultures, they are considered edible in this pre-expansion phase, though they lose all interest once the stalk emerges and the smell appears.