Aussie mum finds 'ugly, terrifying' discovery in her backyard: 'Kill it with fire!'
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Some homeowners may encounter unexpected guests in their homes in the quiet, picturesque suburbs of Australia.
Imagine entering your backyard, where the grass is usually a perfect green, only to be greeted by a bizarre and unsettling intruder.
This was the reality for one mum whose discovery left her both disgusted and bewildered.
The mysterious find? A peculiar, red 'thing' that sprouted in the middle of her yard.
The sight was so out of place and alarming that she couldn't help but capture a photo and seek advice online.
'If Mars had flowers, that would be one of them—crazy beautiful,' one comment read.
Some commenters referenced the eerie monster from the hit Netflix show Stranger Things.
Neighbours advised caution, particularly around pets, as stinkhorn fungi can be toxic.
The consensus was clear: this unwelcome visitor must be dealt with swiftly to prevent it from taking over.
'Kill it with fire,' another quipped.
Her call for help attracted responses from green-thumbed Aussies who recognised the alien-like sprout as a stinkhorn fungus.
This fungus is common, especially in lush, moisture-rich environments after some rainfall.
'I am in Freshwater and have had a few on my lawn. There are different varieties, but most are similar to yours,' a comment read.
As its name suggests, the stinkhorn fungus smells like 'rotting flesh' as a part of its survival strategy.
'It produces this horrible slimy, smelly material that attracts flies. It's trying to mimic some dying animal or faeces,' Royal Botanical Gardens' Chief Botanist Dr Brett Summerell stated.
Dr Summerell also noted that these fungi commonly spawn between February and May.
Stinkhorn fungi are a natural part of our ecosystem.
They break down organic matter, contributing to the nutrient cycle.
However, for those who prefer their gardens without the scent of decay, physical removal and ensuring the area is less inviting to fungi might be the best course of action.
This incident reminds us that nature has its own rules, and sometimes, it brings the unexpected right to our doorsteps—or, in this case, our backyards.
It's a testament to the resilience and diversity of life, even if it occasionally comes in forms that startle us.
Have you ever encountered a stinkhorn fungus or other peculiar fungi in your garden? How did you react, and what measures did you take? Share your gardening stories with us in the comments below!
Imagine entering your backyard, where the grass is usually a perfect green, only to be greeted by a bizarre and unsettling intruder.
This was the reality for one mum whose discovery left her both disgusted and bewildered.
The mysterious find? A peculiar, red 'thing' that sprouted in the middle of her yard.
The sight was so out of place and alarming that she couldn't help but capture a photo and seek advice online.
'If Mars had flowers, that would be one of them—crazy beautiful,' one comment read.
The stinkhorn fungi caused an alarm for one mum in her Sydney home. Image Credit: Gardening Know How/Scot Nelson
Some commenters referenced the eerie monster from the hit Netflix show Stranger Things.
Neighbours advised caution, particularly around pets, as stinkhorn fungi can be toxic.
The consensus was clear: this unwelcome visitor must be dealt with swiftly to prevent it from taking over.
'Kill it with fire,' another quipped.
Her call for help attracted responses from green-thumbed Aussies who recognised the alien-like sprout as a stinkhorn fungus.
This fungus is common, especially in lush, moisture-rich environments after some rainfall.
'I am in Freshwater and have had a few on my lawn. There are different varieties, but most are similar to yours,' a comment read.
As its name suggests, the stinkhorn fungus smells like 'rotting flesh' as a part of its survival strategy.
'It produces this horrible slimy, smelly material that attracts flies. It's trying to mimic some dying animal or faeces,' Royal Botanical Gardens' Chief Botanist Dr Brett Summerell stated.
Dr Summerell also noted that these fungi commonly spawn between February and May.
Stinkhorn fungi are a natural part of our ecosystem.
They break down organic matter, contributing to the nutrient cycle.
However, for those who prefer their gardens without the scent of decay, physical removal and ensuring the area is less inviting to fungi might be the best course of action.
This incident reminds us that nature has its own rules, and sometimes, it brings the unexpected right to our doorsteps—or, in this case, our backyards.
It's a testament to the resilience and diversity of life, even if it occasionally comes in forms that startle us.
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