Distinguishing features
It begins as a partly buried whitish egg-shaped structure about 3 cm in diameter, which bursts open as a hollow white stalk with reddish arms. It matures into a reddish star-shaped structure with six to ten arms up to 3.5 cm long radiating from the central area. These arms are each divided into two limbs.
The top of the fungus is covered with dark olive-brown slime or gleba, which smells of rotting meat. That attracts flies and other insects. The insects help to spread the fungus spores.
There is a cup-shaped volva at the base that is the remnants of the original egg. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 10 cm (Total height including base and arms.)
Synonyms
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is widely distributed in Australia from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales and eastern Victoria and Tasmania. It is also found across the islands in the Pacific Ocean.
It is found on decomposing plant matter as well as on woodchips and mulch and is common in gardens and parklands. It also occurs in alpine grasslands and woodlands. (Wikipedia)
