52 CIRCULAR 14 3, 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. 



Figure 44. — Hydnum erinacens. (Edible) 



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 

 (Fig. 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. 



