stinkhorn The common name for the fungal fruit body in some members of the Phallales. The common stinkhorn, Phallus impudicus, has a white, spongy, hollow stem 10–20 cm tall. The cap is initially covered with an olive-brown slime containing the spores, but the slime is eventually removed by flies. This fungus has a strong, fetid odour detectable from a distance of several metres. It is common in woods, gardens, etc. in summer and autumn. The dog stinkhorn, Mutinus caninus, is similar but smells less strongly.

stinkhorn Any of several species of foul-smelling Basidiomycete fungi. At first, it resembles a small, whitish ‘egg’, which contains the unripe fruit body (receptacle). When ripe, the receptacle elongates to 10–20cm (4–8in) in height, rupturing the egg. It carries with it a glutinous brownish spore mass that attracts the flies that disperse the spores. Genus Phallus.