Long Net Stinkhorn
Plant text by Naomi Lacey, feature photo Wikipedia
Common name: Long Net Stinkhorn, Veiled Lady, Bamboo Fungus, Crinolene Stinkhorn
Scientific name: Phallus indusiatus
Family, and related species: Phallaceae
Description including form (tree, climber etc), other similar species
A very unusual-looking fungus, the veiled stinkhorn grows up to 25cm high with a slimy, conical-shaped cap approx. 50mm x 40mm, which varies in colour from white to brown to rusty orange. It has a hollow white stalk and a fine, lacy white net that falls from the cap like a skirt to about ¾ the length of the stem. It has a strong, rotting meat-like smell to attract flies and other insects to its slimy spoors on the cap which is why it is called a stinkhorn.
Role/ characteristics/ use in permaculture
This edible fungus is sought after in Chinese cuisine and is hailed for its anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac properties. Typically it is dried and then rehydrated for consumption.
It is known to be able to detoxify environmental pollutants found in rainforests.
Ecology and habitat requirements
Native to Australia and other tropical regions of the world, the veiled lady is commonly found growing in rich organic matter such as decaying logs and leaves or mulch after heavy rains. It is often found in well mulched gardens during the wet season and in particular can be found around bamboo.
Access to plants
It is currently cultivated commercially in China but very difficult to find adequate translations about it.
There is nowhere in Australia that I can find to purchase spores.
The best option I can see is to take specimens as they can be found in the wet season and move to an appropriately mulched area in the hope that some of the spores will take.
References
Wikipedia, 2014, Phallus indusiatus
Fungimap Inc, Phallus indusiatus
Tree Hugger, 2014, 13 Most bizarre mushrooms
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, 2009, Stinkhorn Fungi, Mackay Regional Council, Mackay, 2009
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2010, Phallus indusiatus Vent. & Pers. (Basidiomycetes) – a new generic record for Eastern Ghats of India [Internet]
Lucinda
07/05/2023 at 12:06 pmI have these growing in North Brisbane, on my piles of sugarcane and forest mulch.
There are often a half dozen or more soon after it rains.
There are some in my garden today (May 2023) but they have been here on and off for a few years now.