52 CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE 



of this famil}^ are edible, but as the species are difficult to recorrnize 

 and as cases of poisoning have been reported, it is safer to let all 

 coral fungi alone. 



PHALLACEAE (STINKHORN FUNGI) 



Most of the species belonging to the family Phallaceae are charac- 

 terized by a disagreeable odor. The plants grow below the surface 

 of the ground or on decayed stumps. The mycelium or vegetative 

 l^art forms coarse, ropelike strands from wdiich arises the fruit body, 

 wdiich in its early stages is commonly known as an " egg " because of 

 its form. The outer part of the egg forms the volva and consists of 

 outer and inner membranes, between which is a gelatinous substance. 



FicriiE 44. — Iliiihvnn crinaccitfi. (Edible) 



The central portion of the egs: is occupied by a tubular receptacle or 

 part bearing the gleba, the spore-bearing part. The receptacle, elon- 

 gates rapidly and at maturity ruptures the volva, thus exposing the 

 spore-bearing mass. Species of this family have highly developed 

 characters, such as color, taste, and odor, which, by attracting insects. 

 insure the dissemination of the spores. The following fungi are two 

 very common examples of this family : 



ITHYPHALLUS IMPUMCUS. STINKHORN FUNGUS 



(Fig. 45) 



In this fungus the volva is slfibtiso or ovoid, white or pinkish, and divides 

 into two or three parts as the plant develops. The cap is conic to cauipanulate, 

 the surface reticulate pitted, the apex smooth, and the stalk cylindric-fusiform, 

 hollow, and widel.v perforate at tlu> apex. 



This is a verv common species :ind is found ahout dead stumps, fence corners, 

 and .yards, or under walks or platforms. Its presence is readily detected by 

 the strong, dLsagreeahle odor which is emitted at maturity. 



