An octopus? Not exactly. Clathrus archeri is a saprophytic fungus, which grows in acid soils rich in rotting wood remains. Commonly known as Octopus Stinkhorn, it is native to Australia and Tasmania, although it has been introduced to North America, Asia and Europe, and grows to form between 4 and 7, attached to the top.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
An octopus? Not exactly. The Clathrus archeri is a saprophytic fungus, which grows in acid soils rich in rotting wood remains. Commonly known as Octopus Stinkhorn, it is native to Australia and Tasmania, although it has been introduced to North America, Asia and Europe, and grows to form between 4 and 7, attached to the top.
The arms, long and elastic, gradually unfold within a few hours, revealing a red-pink interior with olive green spots. In its maturity it secretes a smell reminiscent of putrid meat, which will serve to attract flies that will unknowingly spread the species.
It is at this particular point in the life cycle that its popular denomination in the United Kingdom, or "devil's fingers", is also due, although perhaps most will remember the appearance of an octopus. It almost looks like this creature is trying to come out of the earth, flailing its tentacles in a desperate attempt to find freedom. Yet, just a few hours later, the fungus will begin to disintegrate.
But how did it spread from Australia to the rest of the world? The truth is, it was most likely introduced accidentally. It is believed that towards the end of the XNUMXth century it may have been exported through a sack of wool, destined for the spinning mills of Europe. It was discovered in France in 1918 near a military base that had been occupied by Australian troops during the First World War. Its very small, but hardy spores survived the immense journey, finding a new habitat in which to thrive.
The first specimen of Clatrhus archeri in the Americas was observed in 1980. Like Europe, the fungus is believed to have been introduced into the soil of exotic plants imported to the United States. The octopus mushroom has thus become one of the invasive species that are not considered to be a threat to native wildlife or other vegetation.
Roberta Ragni
Source and photos
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