In a tale that seems plucked straight from the pages of a gothic horror novel, an Australian mum made a spine-chilling discovery beneath the shade of a tree. What appeared to be a set of decaying 'toes' protruding from the earth turned out to be something far less sinister, yet equally fascinating.


The unsettling find, which sent shivers down the spines of many, was shared on social media, where images of the eerie growth sparked a mixture of revulsion and curiosity. The 'toes' were, in fact, a type of fungi known as Dead Man's Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha). This aptly named fungus is notorious for its ghastly appearance, resembling the digits of a corpse emerging from the ground.


Dead Man's Fingers are a common sight around the globe, particularly in mossy and overgrown areas where they thrive on dead or dying hardwood trees. In Australia, they can be found clinging to native species such as Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, and Victorian Ash. These peculiar fungi can reach up to ten centimeters in height and are known for their inedible, parasitic nature.


The images that circulated in gardening groups online elicited a range of reactions. While some expressed their horror at the thought of encountering these macabre mushrooms during a nighttime stroll in the woods, others were captivated by the 'decaying' discovery. 'If I saw these at night in the woods I would not be calm,' one commenter admitted. Another chimed in, 'Imagine shining your flashlight on this after hearing something outside of your tent.'

But Dead Man's Fingers aren't the only mushrooms that could be mistaken for something out of a nightmare. The 'Octopus Stinkhorn' is another bizarre fungus, featuring long, red tendrils and an oozing black slime that is as nightmarish in appearance as it is in scent. Known for its odor reminiscent of rotting flesh, this mushroom is a startling sight to behold.

One Sydney mum from the city's northern beaches experienced this shock firsthand when she stumbled upon an Octopus Stinkhorn in her own backyard. The discovery prompted a flurry of online commentary, with knowledgeable green-thumbed Aussies explaining that the alien-like fungus was a stinkhorn, a type of mushroom that tends to proliferate after rainfall, especially between February and May in Sydney.


While these fungi may not be the most welcome of garden visitors, they play a crucial role in our ecosystem. As decomposers, they break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil. Their presence is a sign of a healthy, functioning natural environment, even if their appearance might suggest otherwise.

For those of us over 60, encountering such oddities in our gardens can be quite the conversation starter. It's a reminder of the ever-present wonders and mysteries of nature that surround us, even in our own backyards. So next time you're out enjoying your garden or taking a walk in the woods, keep your eyes peeled for these curious creations of nature. And remember, if you do come across something that looks like it belongs in a horror film, it's likely just another of Mother Nature's quirky inventions.


We'd love to hear from you, members of the Seniors Discount Club! Have you ever encountered any strange or unusual fungi in your garden or during your walks? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below – let's unravel the mysteries of the fungal world together!