⚠ If you suspect ingestion of this species, call Poison Control immediately:
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org

Latticed Stinkhorn

Clathrus ruber

— Non-Edible

Do not eat — not considered edible; may be used medicinally or for study only

Cap color: red,orange
Cap size: 8–15 cm
Gill color: none
Gill attachment: none
Stem: no stem; arises from white subterranean egg
Texture: spongy, hollow
Habitat: gardens, parks, woodland edges, mulch
Fruiting season: summer–fall
Peak season: Summer–Fall

Key Identification Features

Emerges from white rubbery egg
matures into hollow spongy red lattice ball 8–15 cm
outer surface red-orange
interior lattice walls bear dark olive-brown fetid slime (gleba)
strong carrion odor
originally Mediterranean now naturalized in SE and SW US

Regions Found

Region data not available

Look-Alikes

No documented look-alikes on record.

Safety disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Never eat a wild mushroom based solely on online information. Always verify identification using multiple reliable field guides and, when possible, consult an experienced forager or mycologist. When in doubt, don't eat it. Spore & Scout accepts no responsibility for identification errors or adverse reactions. If you believe someone has ingested a toxic mushroom, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.