Stinkhorn Fungi

Stinkhorn Fungi (Aseroe rubra)

This fungi produce spore slime, which has an intense smell of rotting meat or sewage. It is very common on wood or bark-chip mulch in gardens, and on deep litter on the rainforest floor. There are a number of differently shaped species, but all are readily recognisable by the smell of the spore slime.

Cases of human consumption are not known, but the smell is attractive to dogs, and possibly cats. Deaths of small dogs have occured. The toxins are unknown, but are thought to develop during the enzymatic liquefaction of the spore slime.

They are generally gastro-irritants.

Toxicity category: 2

Seek urgent medical attention for any ingestion.