Mutinus caninus: Difference between revisions
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==Taxonomy== |
==Taxonomy== |
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The genus name ''Mutinus'' was a phallic deity, [[Priapus|Mutinus Mutunus]], one of the Roman ''[[di indigetes]]'' placated by Roman brides,<ref name=Arora2nd>{{cite book |author=David Arora |year=1986 |title=Mushrooms Demystified |publisher=Ten Speed Press |isbn=0-89815-169-4|page= 771}}</ref> and ''caninus'' means "dog-like" in [[Latin]].<ref>{{cite book|author = Simpson DP| title = Cassell's Latin Dictionary | publisher = Cassell Ltd| date = 1979|edition = 5|location = London|page = 883| isbn=0-304-52257-0}}</ref> It was described initially by [[William Hudson (botanist)|William Hudson]] (1730–1793), a noted British botanist. Its common names in French, ''Phallus de Chien'', ''Satyre des chiens'', hint at its resemblance to a dog |
The genus name ''Mutinus'' was a phallic deity, [[Priapus|Mutinus Mutunus]], one of the Roman ''[[di indigetes]]'' placated by Roman brides,<ref name=Arora2nd>{{cite book |author=David Arora |year=1986 |title=Mushrooms Demystified |publisher=Ten Speed Press |isbn=0-89815-169-4|page= 771}}</ref> and ''caninus'' means "dog-like" in [[Latin]].<ref>{{cite book|author = Simpson DP| title = Cassell's Latin Dictionary | publisher = Cassell Ltd| date = 1979|edition = 5|location = London|page = 883| isbn=0-304-52257-0}}</ref> It was described initially by [[William Hudson (botanist)|William Hudson]] (1730–1793), a noted British botanist. Its common names in French, ''Phallus de Chien'', ''Satyre des chiens'', hint at its resemblance to a dog penis. |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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Revision as of 00:49, 4 November 2009
| Dog Stinkhorn | |
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Common
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
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| Genus: | |
| Species: | M. caninus
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| Binomial name | |
| Mutinus caninus | |
Mutinus caninus | |
|---|---|
 | Smooth hymenium |
 | Stipe has a volva |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is inedible |
Mutinus caninus, commonly known as the Dog Stinkhorn, is a small thin, phallus-shaped woodland fungus, with a dark tip. It is often found growing in small groups on wood debris, or in leaf litter, during summer and autumn in Europe and eastern North America. It is not generally considered edible, although there are reports of the immature 'eggs' being consumed.[1]
Taxonomy
The genus name Mutinus was a phallic deity, Mutinus Mutunus, one of the Roman di indigetes placated by Roman brides,[1] and caninus means "dog-like" in Latin.[2] It was described initially by William Hudson (1730–1793), a noted British botanist. Its common names in French, Phallus de Chien, Satyre des chiens, hint at its resemblance to a dog penis.
Description
This small member of the Phallaceae family emerges from an off-white egg-like fruiting body that lies half buried in leaf litter on the woodland floor. White mycelial cords (rhizomorphs), are often visible beneath this 'egg', which is 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) high, and 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) wide.[3] The 'egg' has a tough outer skin (peridium), which covers a gelatinous inner layer, which in turn protects the fully formed, but unexpanded fruiting body. When the ‘egg’ splits open the fungus expands rapidly (usually within a few hours), to its full height of 10–12 cm (4–5 in). It is around 1 cm (0.4 in) thick, and is either yellowish-white, yellow, or pale orange. The split egg is retained as a volva-like sack, at the base. The column is very fragile, pitted, and cylindrical. It has a pointed tip, and is usually curved. The tip is covered in the spore bearing matter (gleba) which is a dark olive-brown paste, and has a smell which is irresistible to insects. (These insects help distribute the spores on their bodies, and in their stomachs.) Beneath the spore mass the tip is dark orange. Although its smell is not as strong as the related common stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus), it has been described as smelling like cat faeces.[4]
Similar species are: Mutinus ravenelii which is pinker in coloration, with a red tip. It is a rarer American species, now spreading in Europe.[3] Another North American species Mutinus elegans is very similar to M.ravenelii, and is short and stocky, with a more pointed apex.
A rare white form has also been recorded. However, caution should be applied as to which species white forms belong to.
Distribution and habitat
The Dog stinkhorn is found occasionally, and is quite common in Europe, Britain, and Eastern North America.[1] It appears from summer to late autumn, and is usually found in small groups; in leaf litter; on wood debris, or wooded roadsides. It may occur in both deciduous, and coniferous woods.
Edibility
The Dog Stinkhorn is probably edible at the ‘egg’ stage, but it is not recommended. At least one report from West Virginia in the eastern United States strongly recommends the 'eggs' peeled and fried as a tasty dish.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d David Arora (1986). Mushrooms Demystified. Ten Speed Press. p. 771. ISBN 0-89815-169-4.
- ^ Simpson DP (1979). Cassell's Latin Dictionary (5 ed.). London: Cassell Ltd. p. 883. ISBN 0-304-52257-0.
- ^ a b Thomas Laessoe (1998). Mushrooms (flexi bound). Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0-7513-1070-0.
- ^ Zeitlmayr, Linus (1976). Wild Mushrooms:An Illustrated Handbook. Garden City Press, Hertfordshire. p. 114. ISBN 0-584-10324-7.