Purple egg of stinkhorn mushrooms (Phallus ...

Purple egg of stinkhorn mushrooms (Phallus hadriani) on mulch from cut trees in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 16, 2023

In the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site of Washington, Texas, a peculiar purple egg-like structure was discovered on mulch from cut trees. This fascinating find is actually a stinkhorn mushroom (Phallus hadriani) that was photographed on December 16, 2023. The unique shape and vibrant color of the mushroom make it a standout among other fungi, adding an otherworldly touch to the already historic site. – generated by AI

The image shows a close-up view of two purple egg-shaped mushrooms (Phallus hadriani) lying on top of mulch made from cut trees.

* **Mushrooms**
   + The mushroom at the center is round and has wrinkled skin that is covered with brownish-red spores.
   + It appears to be a mature Phallus hadriani, which is known as the purple egg of stinkhorn mushrooms.
   + There are two large, oval-shaped holes on either side of the mushroom's base. These holes likely indicate where the mushroom was attached to its substrate and released spores into the air.
* **Mulch**
   + The surrounding mulch appears to be made from cut trees or tree trimmings.
   + It is a mix of brown, tan, and green colors with some leaf fragments visible.

Overall, the image shows a mature Phallus hadriani mushroom growing on top of mulch made from cut trees in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The mushroom's distinctive purple color and oval-shaped holes at its base are characteristic features of this species. – AI vision

College Station - Washington ... 2023

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Purple egg of stinkhorn mushrooms (Phallus ...

Purple egg of stinkhorn mushrooms (Phallus hadriani) on mulch from cut trees in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 16, 2023

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Slideshow:
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