From the petite Button variety to the sumptuous Portabella, mushrooms have a special place in our hearts, gardens and on our plates. But not all fungi are so tasty or so tame.  In fact, some varieties are downright extraterrestrial. Take the Octopus Stinkhorn for example. Besides its scientific name Clathrus archeri, we lovingly call it by another name, Devil’s Finger, and it is just as bizarre as its name implies.    

Here are a few facts about the Octopus Stinkhorn:

• It produces a putrid smell that attracts flies (much like corpse flowers)
• Emerges from an ‘egg’ or translucent fruit body
• It extends 4-7 ‘tentacles’ which start out connected at the top and are covered in an inky substance called gleba which holds its spores.
• Native to Australia and New Zealand, it has been introduced to Europe, Asia and North America
• Is not an alien, land octopus or demon-possessed hand, just a fungus looking for a good time
• Is not poisonous and is even edible, but it tastes exactly like it smells – Awful

Despite its Lovecraftian appearance, the Octopus Stinkhorn means you no harm. It is merely an extraordinary life form which evolved in the creepiest way possible to suite its needs. If you’re looking for some mushrooms that are both edible and don’t smell like rotting flesh, we suggest you try these wonderfully easy mushroom kits. Chances are these varieties won’t try to bite you back.

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