If you have ever wandered through a forest after a storm and spotted something on the ground that looked like an egg from another planet splitting open, you may have encountered a stinkhorn mushroom. Known scientifically as Phallus impudicus and widely recognized under the name “stinkhorn,” this unusual fungus has earned its place among the most startling organisms found outdoors.
People who stumble upon one often freeze in surprise, unsure whether they are looking at a plant, an animal, or something else entirely. Its appearance and smell have sparked curiosity for centuries, raising the question: what exactly is this strange fungus, and why does it create such strong reactions?
The life of a stinkhorn begins with a stage many hikers mistake for something left behind by wildlife. This early form, commonly called a “witch’s egg,” sits tucked into soil or moss like a firm, rubbery orb. When opened, it reveals a jelly-like interior surrounding the tightly folded structure that will soon erupt into the mature mushroom.
The odd shape and strange texture have inspired countless comparisons to alien pods or mysterious eggs, and it only becomes more surprising from there.
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