Anita Goodwin
Devil’s fingers fungus
Scientific name: Clathrus archeri
This smelly, strange looking fungus is also referred to as octopus stinkhorn or octopus fungus. Its eye-catching red tentacles splay out like a starfish.
Species information
Conservation status
Rare in the UK
When to see
Summer to autumnAbout
The species is from the southern hemisphere and was first discovered in Britain in 1914. The devil’s fingers fungus hatches from a slimy, gelatinous ‘egg’. As it grows, the tentacle-like arms start to protrude. The bright red colour of this fungus makes it easy to spot although it is fairly rare in the UK. Related to the stinkhorns it has a strong and unpleasant smell.How to identify
About 5cm high, tentacles can be up to 7cm long. Usually there are at least 3 or 4 tentacles. Often found amongst leaf litter under trees or in parks and gardens.Distribution
Scarce in the UKHabitats
Did you know?
This fungus smells like rotting flesh which attract insects to arms where the spores are found. The spores are then spread by the visiting insects.Watch the Devil's Fingers uncurl...
Charlotte Targett
Charlotte Targett
Anita Goodwin