Muttereille

Muttereille, also known as the "mushroom of the dead" or "corpse mushroom," is a species of fungus belonging to the genus Clavaria. It is commonly found in Europe, particularly in deciduous forests, where it grows on dead wood, often on the trunks of trees. The mushroom is characterized by its club-shaped fruiting body, which can grow up to 15 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width. The surface of the mushroom is smooth and has a white to cream color, which can sometimes develop a brownish tint as it ages. The underside of the mushroom is attached to the substrate by a thin, white stalk.

Muttereille is known for its distinctive, unpleasant odor, which is often described as rotting flesh or decaying meat. This aroma is due to the presence of certain volatile compounds produced by the fungus. Despite its unappealing smell, the mushroom is not considered poisonous and is generally harmless to humans. It is often used in culinary and medicinal applications, particularly in traditional European folk medicine, where it is believed to have various health benefits, including the treatment of respiratory issues and the improvement of digestion.

The scientific name for mutterelle is Clavaria argillacea. The genus Clavaria includes several other species of mushrooms, many of which are also known for their distinctive shapes and odors. The species is part of the family Clavariaceae, which includes a diverse range of fungi with various ecological roles, such as decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.