Phallus rubicundus (Bosc) Fr.

Common name: Red Stinkhorn.

Description: The fungus appears as an unexpanded egg which is more or less globose, softly gelatinous in texture, white and about 3 cm in diameter. At maturity, the expanding fungus splits open at the top of the egg to release a brilliant red, spongy stem about 23 cm thick and up to 25 cm high. The top of the stem is covered by a distinct, red conical cap with a slightly rough surface and an apex perforated by a single hole. The olive-brown, foetid, slimy, spore mass lies on the surface of the cap. It is highly attractive to (and rapidly removed by) blow flies.

The spores measure 45.5 × 23 µm, are narrowly ellipsoidal or cylindrical, smooth and colourless.

Substratum: The fungus is usually found on rich, composted or humus-rich soil in sheltered locations in forests, especially eucalypt forests. It occurs either as solitary specimens or in small groups.

Distribution: Known from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Tasmanian records are uncertain.

Notes: The fungus spores are dispersed when the feeding blow flies carry them off on their feet. Occasionally, Phallus rubicundus can be seen in enormous numbers. The species seems to benefit from the artificial compost provided by gardeners when they use wood chips for mulch, and there are sightings of amazing eruptions of hundreds of fruiting bodies over mounds of wood chips when used on gardens in sheltered locations. As far as is known, the fungus does no harm and simply assists in the rotting of the wood.