Clathrus archeri is not known to be toxic, however, consuming this fungus would not be enjoyable. Due to the rotting stench of stinkhorns, culinary application is not a common thought. There is also no record of the fungus being treated as a delicacy.
Lol. Damn near every fungi on Wikipedia has a toxicology section. But this one is just like, No one would ever think about eating this so who fucking knows?
Maybe despite it's shite smell it's like super duper delicious and nobody has tried until now?
So yeah, it's likely no one has ever tried to eat one... but I feel pretty confident someone's tried to fuck one.
Omg if I came across that while hiking in the woods without knowing what it was, I would probably hightail it out of there, all the while looking back to make sure it wasn't following me.
How did you not run away screaming? Is this fungus common knowledge? I've never seen it and I am happy to have read this post before stumbling on this another dimension opening strawberry-red nightmare
xD I read a lot of books about nature when I was a kid and therefore knew of this fungus for some time. I always wanted to see this one, too: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clathrus_ruber
As it has no tentacles I can see the beauty in this one, too. But I am really confused about how unreal those fungi look.
For goodness' sake, DO NOT GO NEAR THE FREAKY ALIEN EGG THING THAT HAS TENTACLES AND SMELLS LIKE ROTTING FLESH
Like anything, you can eat it at least once...
Ed- Despite the disgusting smell, octopus stinkhorn is not known to be poisonous to humans or pets.
I've tried a close relative, the stinkhorn (aptly named phallus impudicus). While in the egg phase, the slimy outer layer can be peeled off. Then you cut the inside into thin wedges, and fry them in oil. They taste like earthier french fries. The stuff in the post I've only ever encountered in the mature stage, so I never got to try this recipe with them. Since they are very similar in most aspects, I'd guess the technique should work.
As someone who's absolutely afraid/disgusted/horrified by octopus, these also need to be eradicated from this planet