THE STUNNING STINKHORN MUSHROOM 

WITH A 

LACY YELLOW ORANGE SKIRT

VEILED LADY STINKHORN MUSHROOM AT IISc

 

The 400 acre wooded campus of the Indian Institute of Science, IISc, Bangalore, is a Botanist’s and a Naturalist’s Delight. It is also a Biodiversity hotspot for the City of Bangalore.

AERIAL SHOT OF THE THE 400 ACRE WOODED CAMPUS

OF THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, BANGALORE

 

Pre Monsoon showers have unearthed a treasure trove of Nature’s hidden gems and one among them is this Stunning Bridal Veil Stinkhorn Mushroom (actually a Fungus).

STINKHORN MUSHROOM (FUNGUS) AT IISc

 

This is a Mushroom (Fungus) that loves to wear a lacy yellow orange skirt.

 

Scientific Name: Phallus indusiatus. This is a Fungus in the family Phallaceae (or Stinkhorns for their foul smell) and Indusium in Latin which stands for Outer Tunic. Hence the name: Phallus indusiatus.

Common Names; Bamboo Mushrooms, Bamboo Pith Long Net Stinkhorn, Veiled Lady.

Like all Phallus species, P. indusiatus is saprobic—deriving nutrients from breaking down wood and plant organic matter. The fruit bodies grow singly or in groups in disturbed ground and among wood chips. In Asia, it grows among bamboo forests, and typically fruits after heavy rains.

Propagation:

In order to spread its spores, the cap of the bridal veil stinkhorn contains a gelatinous gleba that attracts insects. The spores latch onto the insects as they touch the gleba, and are carried away to other places, launching a new round of life cycle.

Used in Chinese and Thai Cuisine as a delicacy – in chicken soups and as stir-fries (after drying the mushrooms).

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