Be kind. Call me Dragon's Egg.
Call me Witches Ball.
Call me Goblin's Crystal.
But please - don't call me Stinkhorn. Even if you smell my older brother...
(edited note - the 'egg' is the primary stage of the common Stink Horn - as you can see, it starts as an amazing globe, about as large as a big hen's egg, and erupts into the fairy tail castle of the 'older brother', shown here in its later stage as it begins to disintegrate. You often find flies and insects clustered round them, as they have a rank, sour odour - in fact, you will probably smell one before you see it. I actually rather like it, but others find it noisesome in the extreme). allus Impudicus - StinkIhorpE
I have seen (and smelled) a stinkhorn, I think, but never have I seen a witches ball, goblin's crystal, or dragon's egg!
ReplyDeleteCool dragon's egg. Nothing quite like phallic fungus here. How funny!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm a novice here. What in heaven's name is that thing??
ReplyDeleteJust looking at your photograph brings back that ghastly smell, so aptly named.
ReplyDeleteNever seen either of these, & I'm a country girl (probably too busy crashing through the woods kicking puffballs.....) That Dragon's Egg is quite incredible, the stuff fairytales are built upon!
ReplyDeleteOh, Gretal, do I love these photos.. and their names.. they really fit and sound so magical.. We have been festooned with mushrooms and toadstools of all kinds this year.. more than ever before..I don't know why? Thrilling though !!!
ReplyDeletePhallus Impudicus indeed.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. There were some in our local woods and as you said I smelled them before I saw them.
ReplyDeleteI much prefer the Latin name although it sounds so risque!
ReplyDelete(How strange that you should describe the same dream).
I've never smelled or seen one, but I'm sure I'd stop in my tracks if I came across a specimen of Phallus Impudicus!
ReplyDeleteWhat a superb post, and what a fabulous fungi. Do you know anymore about them, can you recommend any books to identify the edible one's? I really admire your country knowledge. I've got to go find one now!!!......
ReplyDeleteHugs Lynn xx
Very cool, I've never heard of such a thing.. why do I see a fabulous organic bead? :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an educational posting! I didn't know about these and I love the names you gave it. I think goblin's crystal is my favourite. You made me laugh when I saw the older brother. But certainly not for the reasons you're thinking (makes disapproving face.)x
ReplyDeleteThat does look like an egg in a nest!
ReplyDeleteI love your photos and postings...I learn so much.
(())
Well we don't have those around these parts...what happens if you step on one in the globe stage?
ReplyDeleteI prefer it at the dragon's egg stage! I've never come across these, but maybe in time, as they are a woodland fungus! I must look harder!
ReplyDeleteKim x
What a perfectly 'gross' - as the Americans would say - item.
ReplyDeleteA friend on Long Island has fungi raising the tarmac on her drive.......weird.
I was in England at the w/e and it was glorious.
All best wishes.
Oooh, new header?? Love it!
ReplyDeleteMmmmmmm! Lovely Banner! - Jen
ReplyDeleteI have read about such a thing. Isn't it funny how we find different scents delightful when others can't stand them?
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well my friend.
Hugs,
Oooh, I LOVE the new banner, very bright and a nice surprise :)
ReplyDeleteKim x
Once smelt never forgotten!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it meant to smell like rotting flesh?
Yummy new banner!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen stinkhorn at the 'egg' stage before. Thanks for posting that. (It's much harder to miss once it becomes all odiferous and phallic). There is another type of stinkhorn that I grew up with on the east coast of the states: Mutinus caninus (which would be the canine-phallus version. They're all a bit obscene) - which we learned quickly too watch out for because the smell was so much worse if you stepped on them.
Greetngs! I saw your comment on Lettuce-Eating's blog and stopped over to visit. So glad I did! Also glad to know that other people have mushroom fetishes such as mine. We forage and eat what we know too. In fact we just found a Chicken Mushroom (or sulphur shelf) and it was delicious. Do you have those there?
ReplyDeleteWe had this exact same stink horn in our yard two years ago. I found it at the same stage as you did and kept looking every day, waiting for it to "bloom." I keep watching for it to come back, but so far no luck. I find them fascinating! We also had another variety of stink horn that was red, and if you think that one didn't look strange! :) Not enough rain and damp this year I imagine. Too bad.
Love your photos and your cottage sounds so idyllic to me. You're a wonderful artist as well—love the needle felted animals.
Good luck on the wine. We've always wanted to try our hand at making some.
Lynne in NJ, USA
www.rickandlynne.com/lynne