It’s not a dead man’s finger, but you wouldn’t want to bump into it at Halloween...
When you’re walking in the woods, look out for the aptly-named Stinkhorn (even more apt Latin name Phallus impudicus – those Linnaean taxonomists!). This marvel of evolution exudes a sticky green gunge on its cap (called a ‘gleba’). The gleba’s pungent aroma is simply irresistible, if you’re a fly. Flies flock to the sticky goo then spread the spores around on their feet.
Apparently, some Victorians were so outraged by these impudent fungi, they would seek them out at dawn and burn them to ‘protect the morals of the maids’. I managed to overcome my shock just long enough to take this photo. I've heard they are actually edible, but this is one delicacy I’ll be giving a miss.
There are loads of weird and wonderful fungi in the woods at the moment – including dead man’s fingers – so keep your eyes (and nose) open!