Aseroë rubra (Phallaceae)

Very fun find in the Bluethenthal Wildflower preserve last week. This is Aseroë rubra (Starfish Fungus) and it produces a very foul odor. Many fungi thrive on decomposing plant matter on the O horizon (organic layer) of the soil column. These organisms assist in recycling the chemical nutrients (like nitrogen and carbon). These nutrients are then re-inserted back into the soil--providing a rich habitat for many bacteria, fungi, and plants to flourish.

Done