Story: Fungi

Stinkhorn fungus (3rd of 3)

Stinkhorn fungus

The fruiting body of a stinkhorn fungus emerges from the ground as an egg-like structure. It then splits open, revealing a stalk with a number of coloured arms. This species, Anthurus archeri, is growing in a clump of moss in native forest. Stinkhorn fungi produce a smelly mucus mass full of spores at the base of their arms. Flies feed on the stinking mucus and in so doing help to spread the spores.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10054600
Photograph by Dick Veitch

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How to cite this page:

Peter Buchanan, 'Fungi - Saprobes: decomposers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11572/stinkhorn-fungus (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Peter Buchanan, published 24 Sep 2007