Anemone stinkhorn

It may smell terrible, but its strange, otherworldly appearance has inspired many creative people to paint, draw, and imagine.

Where does it live?

Grows on rich soil, mulch and decaying plant material in warm, humid forests.

Where the spores form

Spore mass. Spores develop inside a special spore-bearing mass called the gleba. As the fruit body ripens the mass is laid open and the spores are released.

Did you know?

• This mushroom smells like rotting meat — but for a good reason!
• The smell attracts flies, which carry its sticky spores to new places, helping the fungus spread.