Blumenavia rhacodes is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Phallaceae. It is characterized by its small to medium size, globose to pyriform shape, and white to yellowish-brown color. In East and Central Texas, Blumenavia rhacodes has been found growing on the ground in wooded areas, often associated with oak and pine trees. The fungus typically fruits in late summer to early fall, producing a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts insects for spore dispersal. Specimens from this region usually measure 2-5 cm in diameter and have a short, stout stalk.
Egg stage of stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes found at the base of a tree in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 18, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes under small elm trees in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 18, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Yellow columns of a stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 18, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Top view of a stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 18, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Side view of a stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 18, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Uprooted stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 18, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 3, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Close-up of stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 3, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Side view of stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 3, 2020 Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 24, 2021 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Stinkhorn mushrooms Blumenavia rhacodes under oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 24, 2021 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Side view of stinkhorn mushrooms Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 24, 2021 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Cross section of stinkhorn mushrooms Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 24, 2021 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Cage-like structure of stinkhorn mushroom Blumenavia rhacodes in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, May 15, 2024 Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of the fungus Blumenavia rhacodes in East and Central Texas reveal its presence at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The egg stage was found at the base of a tree on January 18, 2020. Mature mushrooms were observed under small elm trees and oaks, with yellow columns visible. Top and side views of the mushrooms showed their unique structure. Uprooted specimens were also found. The fungus was observed on multiple dates, including January 18, 2020, May 3, 2020, December 24, 2021, and May 15, 2024, indicating its persistence in the area. Close-up views revealed the cage-like structure of the mushroom, while cross sections provided further insight into its anatomy. The fungus appears to thrive in the site's environment, with repeated sightings over several years.