Phallales

Phallales is an order of fungi within the class Agaricomycetes, in the Basidiomycota. Members are commonly known as stinkhorns and related forms. The order includes several families, notably Phallaceae and Clathraceae, and encompasses genera such as Phallus, Mutinus, Lysurus, Clathrus, Colus, and others. They are characterized by distinctive fruiting bodies that often produce a strong, foul odor.

A hallmark of Phallales is their development from underground or partially buried egg-like structures. Upon maturation, the fruiting body expands rapidly into a stalked, and in some lineages lattice- or cage-like, form. The mature surface bears a slimy gleba that carries spores and emits compounds that attract scavenging insects, which aid in spore dispersal. Their morphology ranges from simple stalks to elaborate, netted or spherical structures.

Ecology and distribution vary among species, but most Phallales are saprotrophic, feeding on decaying wood, leaf litter, or mulch. They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, gardens, and disturbed lands, and occur in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Although not commonly studied for edibility, stinkhorns are generally considered inedible or unpleasant due to their odor, though some species’ immature eggs have been consumed in traditional contexts in certain cultures.

Taxonomic status within Phallales has evolved with molecular studies, but the group remains recognized for its distinctive fruiting bodies and ecological role in decomposition and nutrient cycling. The order is of interest to mycologists and naturalists for its dramatic development, odor clues, and diverse forms.