Aseröe rubra

[ Basidiomycetes > Phallales > Phallaceae > Aseröe . . . ]

by Tim Geho

Aseröe rubra is a member of the stinkhorn family. Like the other stinkhorns it grows from an egglike structure that is covered with a universal veil. It has several common names, such as "Starfish Stinkhorn" and "Sea Anemone Fungus." Though Aseröe rubra is not often described in North American mycological texts, I have found it in several areas of South Carolina, including Charleston and Columbia. It is not clear if this fungus has always been present or has been introduced through trade with other parts of the world where it is commonly found. It is the most common stinkhorn in the Hawaiian Islands, and is widespread throughout the south Pacific.

Edibility is not known for Aseröe rubra; I do not recommend experimenting.

More photos of Aseröe rubra, sent in by readers, can be found in the Stinkhorn Hall of Fame.

Description:

Ecology: Saprobic; found in areas that have been mulched with woodchips or where there is a natural or introduced supply of organic material or leaf debris; in flower beds, lawns, or other cultivated areas; sometimes on rotting stumps; found in the Hawaiian Islands, Africa, Oceana, and many other tropical locations. I have found it in several South Carolina locations.

Fruiting Body: When young an egglike structure; when mature, with a stem up to 8cm long that becomes somewhat flattened and develops 6-10 arms, each one branching into 2 thin tentacles; with an olive to brown spore mass at the base of each arm, surrounding the central disk; white to orange, reddish orange, or reddish.

Odor: When mature very strong, reminiscent of rotting meat.

Spore Print: White.

Microscopic Features: Spores 5.5-6.5 x 2-3 µ; cylindrical; smooth; inamyloid.

REFERENCES: LaBillardiere, 1800. (Fries, 1823; Sacardo, 188; Dring, 1980; Lincoff, 1981; Arora, 1986; Arnold, 2002.)

Spore dispersal is by insects, snails, and slugs that are attracted to the smell of the spore mass; subsequently some of the spore mass sticks to them and is spread to new areas.

Aseröe rubra is similar in appearance to Clathrus archeri, which has arms that do not split into thin tentacles; it is widely distributed in North America, but rare. Arora (1986) reports it from California.

Further Online Information:

Aseröe rubra at Fungimap

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Cite this page as:

Geho, T. (2004, February). Aseröe rubra. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/aseroe_rubra.html