52 CIRCULAR 143, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
of this family are edible, but as the species are difficult to recognize 
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 
part forms coarse, ropelike strands from which arises the fruit body. 
which 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. 
Ficure 44.—Hydnum erinaceus. (Hdible) 
The central portion of the egg 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 IMPUDICUS. STINKHORN FUNGUS 
(Wig. 45) - 
In this fungus the volva is globose or ovoid, white or pinkish, and divides 
into two or three parts as the plant develops. The cap is conic to campanulate, 
the surface reticulate pitted, the apex smooth, and the stalk cylindric-fusiform, 
hollow, and widely perforate at the apex. 
This is a very common species and is found about dead stumps, fence corners, 
and yards, or under walks or platforms. Its presence is readily detected by 
the strong, disagreeable odor which is emitted at maturity. 
