If you see this growing in your garden, here’s what it actually is.
The fungus is reportedly native to Australia and New Zealand, but it can now be found on other continents, including Europe and North America.
This distinctive fungus seems to sprout from something that looks like a broken egg (though it’s not) before developing into several elongated, pink arms.
If the appearance of the Octopus stinkhorn isn’t enough to unsettle you, the fungus is said to emit a stench of rotting flesh when it matures! This is believed to be an evolutionary strategy to attract flies, which then help disperse its spores.
Reportedly native to Australia and New Zealand, this fungus has now spread to other continents, including Europe and North America.
This distinctive fungus initially appears to sprout from what looks like a broken egg (though it isn’t), and then forms several elongated, pink arms.
If its appearance doesn’t creep you out, the Octopus stinkhorn gives off a smell of rotting flesh when it matures. This odor is believed to be an evolutionary tactic to attract flies, which help in spore dispersal.
