New Zealand Fungi and Lichens

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DSC_1413 Octopus stinkhorn, or Devils fingers (Clathrus archeri) first appear as partly buried pinkish egg-shaped structures (foreground). The fungus emerges with three to eight elongated slender arms, initially held erect and attached at the top, before unfolding to reveal a pinkish-red interior covered with lines of smelly, blackish spore-containing gleba to attract blowflies for dispersing the spores. Grows near woody debris, in lawns, gardens, and forests. Native to both Australia and New Zealand. Otago Peninsula *

DSC 1413 Octopus stinkhorn Devils fingers Giant Lysurus Pseudocolus Anthurus Clathrus archeri fungus pinkish red spore containing gleba forest New Zealand Otago Peninsula