New Zealand Fungi

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DSC_2400 Fischer's egg (Claustula fischeri) rated as Nationally Critical under the NZ Threat Classification System, and one of only two NZ fungi to date included on the global IUCN Red List. Fischer's egg produces spores within a conspicuous white, egg-shaped receptacle that emerges from a brown, gelatinous protective cover. Although it is a 'stinkhorn', it appears to be odourless. Its distinctive appearance, (the white receptacle is the size of a hen's egg), may encourage animals and birds to eat it, thereby dispersing the spores - indeed some eggs certainly appear partially eaten - however the dispersal mechanism is still unknown. Eastern Otago *

DSC 2400 Fischer's egg egg fungus stinkhorn Claustula fischeri rare native white receptacle South Island Tasmania Claustulaceae stinkhorn fungus Phallales odourless Eastern Coastal Otago