Lantern stinkhorn
Lysurus mokusin
A species of Lysurus. Also known as Ribbed lizard claw.
Even among the already bizarre members of the stinkhorn family, the lantern stinkhorn (Lysurus mokusin) stands out. It emerges from the soil with a four-sided, flattened stalk, grooved much like a churro. Crowning this stalk is a hollow, claw-like structure, resembling a hand with its fingertips pressed together. The inner surface of this claw is covered in a pungent, adhesive substance designed to lure insects, which then aid in the dispersal of its spores.
In This Article
Attributes of Lantern stinkhorn
Cap Diameter
2 - 3 cm
Height
7 - 15 cm
Cap
Up to 2 cm wide; whitish, dark to pale orange; covered with malodorous
Stem
Stem 2 - 7 cm long, 5 - 15 mm thick; equal; pale orange or pink, sometimes whitish; spongy and soft, hollow
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Volva
Adnate; white
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Olive-brown
Odor
Foul, reminiscent of human feces.
Body Color
WhiteOrangePink
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil, Wood Chips or Mulch
Occurence Habitats
Disturbed Lands
Species Status
Fairly widely distributed
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Lantern stinkhorn
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Stinkhorn allies
Family
Stinkhorn mushrooms
Genus
Lysurus
Toxicity and Edibility of Lantern stinkhorn
Is Lantern stinkhorn Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
