A fungus, Aseroe rubra, from Terence,SC

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What kind of flower is this and some details please.

Hi Terence,

well, this isn’t a wildflower, it is a fungus. I normally do not identify fungi, but this is a very distinctive and unusual one. From Wikipedia: “Aseroe rubra, commonly known as the anemone stinkhorn, sea anemone fungus and starfish fungus, is a common and widespread basidiomycete fungus recognizable for its foul odour of carrion and its sea anemone shape when mature. Found in gardens on mulch and in grassy areas, it resembles a red star-shaped structure covered in brownish slime on a white stalk. It attracts flies, which spread its spores.” For more information go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aseroe_rubra

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

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