Yet this is not the result of some subterranean gene-splicing enterprise to bring the world a spore-bearing cellaphod (for whatever reason that might be). This is exactly how nature intended the Octopus Stinkhorn. The shape and form you see here is an integral but short-lived part of its life-cycle.
Although it has been introduced to North America, Asia and Europe, the Octopus Stinkhorn is native to Australia. The fungus emerges from an egg which is called superumpent – this means that rather than hatching or germinating it, effectively, erupts in an explosion of enlargement.
This incredible burst of tissue development produces four to seven long and supple arms which, to begin with, are attached at the uppermost point of their growth. The column grows in the space of just a few hours. The arms then disentangle and languidly stretch themselves out. Eventually these recurved arms form a kind of star or cage but the fungus is best known for its tentacular stage.
Image Credit Wikimedia
Image Credit Wikimedia
Image Credit Flickr User CountryMouse13
Image Credit Wikimedia
The family is known as stinkhorn for a good reason. Once it reaches maturity the octopus stinkhorn gives off a fetid odor, reminiscent of rotting flesh. That’s enough to tell us that this particular design did not evolve to attract mammals or birds. Rather it appeals to flies which arrive at the fungus hoping that they have discovered the ideal place to lay their eggs. They land on the stinkhorn, realise that they have been outwitted and fly off. However, the gleba are carried off on the bodies of the flies and the spores of the species are thus spread.
Image Credit Flickr User Ibsut
Image Credit Flickr User fotosderianxso
Although the very smell of the octopus stinkhorn should put us off, the eggs are edible (though as foul as anything you might wish to ever taste). They have a flavor like radish, which would be enough to encourage plenty of people to leave them well alone, but really, really rancid radish. The aborigines of Australia would historically eat it only as a very last resort as bushfood (sometimes called bush tucker). In other words, don't try it at home.
As for the Americas – the first instance of Clatrhus archeri was back in the 1980s. It is believed that the fungus was introduced in the soil of exotic plants imported in to the US. However, this is one invasive species that is not considered any threat to indigenous wildlife or other vegetation. Plus, to come across it during a stroll through the woods must make anyone’s day – as long as they are not too cephalophobic.
First Image Credit Wikimedia
Octopus Image Credit
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