Mutinus elegans

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'''''Mutinus elegans''''', commonly known as the '''elegant stinkhorn''',{{NGSWG}} the '''dog stinkhorn''', the '''headless stinkhorn''', or the '''devil's dipstick''', is a species of [[fungus]] in the [[Phallaceae]] (stinkhorn) family. The [[basidiocarp|fruit body]] begins its development in an "egg" form, resembling somewhat a [[puffball]] partially submerged in the ground. As the fungus matures, a slender orange to pink colored stalk emerges that tapers evenly to a pointed tip. The stalk is covered with a foul-smelling slimy green [[gleba|spore mass]] on the upper third of its length. Flies and other insects feed upon the slime which contains the [[basidiospore|spores]], assisting in their dispersal.

'''''Mutinus elegans''''', commonly known as the '''elegant stinkhorn''',{{NGSWG}} the '''headless stinkhorn''', or the '''devil's dipstick''', is a species of [[fungus]] in the [[Phallaceae]] (stinkhorn) family. It is also known as '''dog stinkhorn''' but using this name can lead to confusion with ''[[Mutinus caninus]]''. The [[basidiocarp|fruit body]] begins its development in an "egg" form, resembling somewhat a [[puffball]] partially submerged in the ground. As the fungus matures, a slender orange to pink colored stalk emerges that tapers evenly to a pointed tip. The stalk is covered with a foul-smelling slimy green [[gleba|spore mass]] on the upper third of its length. Flies and other insects feed upon the slime which contains the [[basidiospore|spores]], assisting in their dispersal.

A [[saprobic]] species, it is typically found growing on the ground singly or in small groups on woody debris or [[leaf litter]], during summer and autumn in Japan, Europe, and eastern North America. Due to their repellent odor, mature specimens are not generally considered [[edible mushroom|edible]], although there are reports of the immature "eggs" being consumed. In the laboratory, ''Mutinus elegans'' has been shown to inhibit the growth of several [[microorganism]]s that can be [[pathogen]]ic to humans.

A [[saprobic]] species, it is typically found growing on the ground singly or in small groups on woody debris or [[leaf litter]], during summer and autumn in Japan, Europe, and eastern North America. Due to their repellent odor, mature specimens are not generally considered [[edible mushroom|edible]], although there are reports of the immature "eggs" being consumed. In the laboratory, ''Mutinus elegans'' has been shown to inhibit the growth of several [[microorganism]]s that can be [[pathogen]]ic to humans.

''Mutinus elegans'' was first described by [[British people|British]] missionary [[John Banister (naturalist)|John Banister]] in 1679 who chronicled the natural history of [[Virginia]]; this early report is thought to be the first account of a fungus in North America. It was first characterized scientifically by French scientist [[Jean Pierre François Camille Montagne]] in 1856, who called it ''Corynites elegans''.

''Mutinus elegans'' was first described by [[British people|British]] missionary [[John Banister (naturalist)|John Banister]] in 1679 who chronicled the natural history of [[Virginia]]; this early report is thought to be the first account of a fungus in North America. It was first characterized scientifically by French scientist [[Jean Pierre François Camille Montagne]] in 1856, who called it ''Corynites elegans''.

The [[genus]] name ''Mutinus'' refers to the Roman phallic deity [[Mutunus Tutunus]], one of the ''[[di indigetes]]'' placated by Roman brides. The species is [[common name|commonly]] known variously as the "elegant stinkhorn", the "headless stinkhorn", the "dog stinkhorn", or the "devil's dipstick". The [[specific name (botany)|specific epithet]] ''elegans'' is derived from the [[Latin]] word meaning "graceful" or "elegant".

The [[genus]] name ''Mutinus'' refers to the Roman phallic deity [[Mutunus Tutunus]], one of the ''[[di indigetes]]'' placated by Roman brides. The species is [[common name|commonly]] known variously as the "elegant stinkhorn", the "headless stinkhorn", or the "devil's dipstick". The [[specific name (botany)|specific epithet]] ''elegans'' is derived from the [[Latin]] word meaning "graceful" or "elegant".

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