If you stumble upon what looks like a severed, sun-bleached hand or a stranded octopus reaching out from the forest floor, you’ve found the macabre masterpiece of the fungal kingdom: *Clathrus archeri*.
Identification
Commonly known as "Devil’s Fingers," this fungus begins its life as a partially buried, leathery white "egg" (2–4cm). Upon maturity, the egg ruptures to reveal 4–8 tapered, fleshy arms. These arms are a vibrant carmine-red, maturing to a pale pinkish-orange. Unlike the *Clathrus ruber* (Lattice Stinkhorn), which forms a hollow, geodesic globe, the arms of *C. archeri* spread flat like a starfish. The inner surfaces are coated in a foul-smelling, olive-brown slime known as gleba.
Habitat & Range
Native to Australia and New Zealand, this species is a legendary globetrotter. It has successfully naturalized across Europe, the UK, and parts of North America. Look for it in damp, shaded environments—specifically among rotting leaf litter, decomposing woodchips, or mossy verges at the edges of deciduous woodlands.
Behaviour
The "bloom" of the Devil’s Fingers is a masterclass in biological mimicry. To a naturalist, the most striking behavior is its use of "fetid attraction." The fungus emits a potent odor of rotting flesh to lure carrion flies and beetles. As these insects crawl over the sticky, spore-laden gleba, they inadvertently become couriers, transporting spores to new territories.
Diet
As a saprobic fungus, *C. archeri* is a vital decomposer. It doesn't "hunt" in the traditional sense; rather, it extends microscopic hyphae into the soil to break down complex organic polymers like lignin and cellulose from decaying wood and leaf mulch.
Fascinating Fact
It is widely believed that this "alien" fungus first invaded Europe during World War I, hitching a ride as microscopic spores hidden within crates of wool or military supplies shipped from the Southern Hemisphere!