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Clathrus archeri

(Berk.) Dring

Red tentacle fungus

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(c) Nicolas Schwab, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nicolas Schwab

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(c) spacelargo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by spacelargo

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) robynnejean, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Clathrus archeri (synonyms Lysurus archeri, Anthurus archeri, Pseudocolus archeri), commonly known as octopus stinkhorn or devil's fingers, is a fungus which has a global distribution. This species was first described in 1980 in a collection from Tasmania. The young fungus erupts from a suberumpent egg by forming into four to seven elongated slender arms initially erect and attached at the top. The arms then unfold to reveal a pinkish-red interior covered with a dark-olive spore-containing gleba. In maturity it smells like putrid flesh.

Description

Red tentacle fungus is a mushroom found in temperate regions.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The very young egg-like cap can be eaten, though older parts develop a very bad odour and should be avoided.

Traditional Uses

The very young egg like cap can be eaten. Older parts have a very bad odour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia*, Britain, Europe, India,

Synonyms

Anthurus archeri

References (4)

  • Fuhrer, B., 2005, A field guide to Australian Fungi. Bloomings Books. p 231
  • Hall, I. R., et al, 2003, Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms of the World. Timber Press. p 293
  • Kaufmann, B. et al, 1999, The Great Encyclopedia of Mushrooms. Konemann. p 191
  • Li, H., et al, 2020, Reviewing the world’s edible mushroom species: A new evidence-based classification system. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2021;20:1982–2014.

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