stinkhorn

I have been watching the development of this fungus (Phallus impudica) over the past few days - the immature form, known as “witches’ eggs” have been pushing up under the conifers in the forest. Today I heard the mature mushroom before I saw it, as it was covered by buzzing flies; It’s their job, when they fly off, to disperse the spores, which cling to their legs when they land on the slimy top. Isn’t nature amazing?

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/06/country-diary-stinkhorn-fungus-phallus-impudicus?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other