A rare and unusual mushroom has been spotted at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus in Bengaluru — the stinkhorn. Known for its striking appearance and foul odour, the fungus caught the attention of students and nature enthusiasts alike.
The image of the Stinkhorn mushroom, captured by Kedar Wagh (Instagram @daboiar) at the IISc campus and shared online, stood out for its peculiar appearance. While stinkhorn mushrooms are not harmful, their pungent smell, meant to attract insects for spore dispersal, makes them hard to ignore.
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What is Stinkhorn Mushroom?
Scientifically classified under the Phallaceae family, stinkhorn mushrooms are known for their unique shape and foul smell, often described as rotting meat or decaying organic matter. This smell is not without purpose, it serves to attract insects like flies, which help in spore dispersal, much like how flowers attract bees for pollination. The mushroom produces a slimy spore mass known as gleba, which sticks to the legs and bodies of insects, aiding in its spread.
These fungi typically grow in rich, organic soils, often appearing after rains in tropical and subtropical regions. They emerge from structures called "eggs", which suddenly sprout into tall, spongy stalks topped with the smelly spore mass.
While stinkhorns are non-toxic and some species are even considered edible in their egg stage in a few cultures, they are mostly avoided due to their odour. Their presence, however, is an indicator of a healthy and biodiverse environment.
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