Aseroe Rubra (Labill) starfish fungus

This is the first Aseroe Rubra (Labill) starfish fungus of the season. They look like aliens. First recorded by the French Biologist Jacques Labilardiere (1755-1834) this fungi is from the phallacea family. While common in the tropics it is very rare in Britain & was last recorded there in 2004. I have been lucky to photograph several of these some of which are published on the NATURE fungi website. Im hoping to be able to show you some of the more unusual varieties of tropical fungi over the coming weeks as the weather gets warmer and wetter :-)