The Original Mystery Plant
Photo by John Nelson

Here we have something that shows up occasionally in forests, gardens, and lawns, quickly and quietly appearing without any forewarning. It seems to be something from outer space: a cross between an octopus and orange styrofoam.

This is a fungus, but it's not a plant at all. This particular fungus belongs to a large group of species, all of which are curiously shaped, some rather provocatively.

The production of tiny spores as a means of reproduction is common to all fungi, this one included. The body of this fungus arises seemingly overnight from a soft, white structure about the size of a small egg just below or at the soil's surface.

Several soft, orange, arm- like columns rise a few inches above the ground, and they are joined together at the top. The fungus swells up and grows rapidly, attaining its maximum size in a short while. The spores are confined to a dark, slimy mass, the gleba, which is visible on the inner surface of the culumns, up toward the top.

The spores need a bit of help to get moved around, which is gladly afforded by flies. Flies come to this fungus because the reddish arms somewhat resemble decaying meat, which flies seem to like. But even more attractive to the flies is the putrid odor given off by the gleba, further fooling the winged visitors into thinking they've found a dead animal to lunch on and lay their eggs.

The flies don't seem to get much out of this rather one- sided partnership, but the spores are easily attached to the flies' bodies and are effectively transported wherever else the fly goes.

This species is widespread in the eastern United States, especially in the South and along the Gulf Coast. It often shows up very early in the year, especially during mild winters.

It all seems rather digusting in a way, and most people find this organism somewhat revolting. On the other hand, it is a marvelous example of interaction between plants, or fungi, and animals. The very appearance of this thing around your house, if you are lucky enough to have it, is cause for a little bit of show- and- tell.

Go ahead and call your neighbors. The fungus is quite harmless, and will disappear shortly after its appearance. If you really don't want it, consider digging the little white eggs up and getting rid of them in the compost. Please don't use fungicides or poisons because there's no need.

Answer to this week's mystery plant

Answer: Columned stink- horn, Linderia columnata

Dr. John Nelson is the curator of the USC Herbarium.

To learn more about the Herbarium, call 777-8196. The

department also offers free plant identification.

www.herbarium.org