Wild mushrooms ‹‹ Go Back

This is a species that belong to the Phallaceae family. The members of this genus have a widespread global distribution with greater diversity of species in tropical regions. As with most species of this genus they produce a foul smell of rotting flesh from which they drive their name. This bad smell is produced by a mass of sticky spores found at the top of the stalk. The purpose of this foul aroma is associated with an interesting strategy employed by the mushroom to attract as many insects as possible during its very short life and thereby achieve colonization of new sites. These insects which alight on the mushroom are provided with a banquette of carbohydrates and proteins, including all mineral amino acids, vitamins and fats (Lundgren, 2009). In return hey will carry millions of the spores when they fly off to be deposited at new sites.

The only other species of mushroom that produce a delicate lacy “skirt” like structure which hangs down from its cap in Wilpattu is the Basket Stinkhorn Phallus indusiatus which produces a bright orange “skirt”. I have seen this species during October and November at many locations including Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Kombansanchaipooval.