Fungi are microorganisms that inhabit the entire planet. There are many, many different species, and there are some that have very, very curious shapes. One of them is the Clathrus crispus, found in the Americas.
Its characteristic scarlet red color that attracts a lot of attention, although precisely for that reason We should not consume it under any circumstances since it is a sign that tells us that it is poisonous.
Where is he from?
Our protagonist is a mushroom whose scientific name is Clathrus crispus, although it is popularly known as a red tile cage. It is native to the two Americas, but It is found more on the Florida side and the Gulf Coast, near woody debris, lawns, gardens, cultivated soil, etc. It is a very curious species, not only because of its shape and color, but also because of the terrible stench it emits, which is the result of a brown viscous substance that covers its interior.
It is similar to Clathrus ruber, which is found in California and Mexico, but this one does not have the crowns that the C. crispus.
What are their characteristics?
Its fruiting body measures up to 10 x 15cm, and acquires a round, oval or irregular ball shape.. It has up to 50 "holes" that are regularly aligned and spongy. In its youth it is encased in a pale "egg", which creates a white volva around the base when mature. Its spores measure 4 x 2 µ, and are oblong-elliptical smooth.
Due to the bad smell it emits, it is easy for flies to come swiftly to it to feed, as you can see in the image above.
What did you think of the Clathrus crispus? The truth is that there are so many types of mushrooms that knowing them all could take a lifetime, but at least those that are dangerous, it is important to know well what they are like to avoid problems.
Why does this mushroom appear in front of my house?
Hello Nereida.
Mushrooms like humidity, so surely in front of your house there is an area that allows the growth of this species of fungus.
Greetings.
Hello, I have found this type of fungus in my patio and I am worried what should I do so that it does not appear anymore
How can I send you a picture???
regards
Hello Ana.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult -if not impossible- to prevent fungi from appearing in patios and gardens, since they are places that are outside.
For this reason, the best thing to do in many cases is to let it be, and of course not to consume it under any circumstances.
If you want to do something, one way to reduce the risk of it sprouting is to cover the ground with plastic for a while, as indicated in this article.
A greeting.