Type of stinkhorn fungus

This fungus features outstretched red tentacles and evil-smelling brown-green slime in the centre. The fruiting body emerges from an “egg”. Found on rich soils and mulch in shady spots. The stipe (stalk) is white, spongy, up to 8 cm long, expanding into several pairs (up to 9) of bright red arms up to 130mm across. Photographed at Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap, Brisbane in January 2008.

Photograph: Robert Whyte